O-mama - Opinionated Moms

There is an alarming trend in inhalant abuse in children and teens in the United States.  They are using the chemical vapors of common household substances to get high.  “Huffing” is a deliberate inhalation of toxic gases, vapors, or fumes in order to become intoxicated, has led to several deaths, and can be deadly even after abusing inhalants only one time. According to national studies, the highest rate of inhalant abuse is among 12-17 year olds, with 10%-15% of all U.S. teens estimated to have used inhalants at some point in time. Signs of inhalant abuse include mood swings, loss of appetite, irritability, frequent vomiting, cough and rash, and dilated pupils. 

MOMism: “Expect the Unexpected.”  As difficult as it may be, we NEED to talk to our KID-Os about the tough stuff - sex, drugs, friend drama, etc. We all know that we cannot keep our kids young and naïve all their lives...they will be exposed to many things as they navigate the teen years (although there are many occasions when we wish we could wave the magic wand and freeze time)!  Frankly, most of us are prepared to face the tough stuff....we know it's coming, we are bracing, and ready and willing to do what we need to do...to watch, snoop, talk and listen to our kids. But what happens when the unexpected or unanticipated happens?  How can you ever anticipate your child starts sniffing shoe polish or Windex?  What?!@#!?

We try to convince our kids about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol, sex, driving, you name it...but we sometimes underestimate the enormous power of "creative" thinking on the part of kids.  Peer pressure, coupled with feelings of youth’s invincibility can be a toxic combination for teens.  We need to continue to vigilantly warn our children about dangers and keep a careful eye out for any warning signs, because chances are there won't be a bright red flag waving before they are about to get into trouble. So, we need to let them know that if it doesn’t feel right, look right, smell right, that it isn't alright and they should walk away. And that’s tough. We know it's tough.  But, we need to build up their confidence to stand up tall and make the right choices. At the same time, we also need to be looking for little signs, too...if our kids don't feel right, look right, smell right (yep - huffers have a distinct odor!), then chances are they are not doing alright.  

When they were little, we held their hands as they crossed the street and cut their grapes into quarters.  But as they get older, the only way we can "take care" of them is by staying engaged and teaching them to make smart choices...because if they start "huffing and puffing" with their friends, the story will not have a happy ending and they will surely "blow your house down." Take a deep breath...keep building your relationship with your kids brick by brick and it will stay strong, even through the teen years!