Aloha,
Circuit Court Judge Michael A. Town sees the terrible results of ice abuse in his courtroom almost every
day. I would like to share with you and your family these important suggestions to help keep your child from becoming
another casualty in the ice epidemic.
1. Know your child's friends.
Encourage your child to bring friends to your home. These friends will often be involved with you and your child
for the rest of your lives.
2. Visit your child's school.
Let your child know that you are interested and involved in your child's education. As you become aware of your
child's school environment, you are better prepared to deal with him or her effectively during the evenings and on weekends.
3. Set aside time each evening when you and your child can
discuss the day's events. This will help keep you in tune with your child's thoughts and activities.
4. Encourage your child to discuss with you anything of concern
or interest. Understand that there is nothing too small or insignificant for a child to discuss with
you.
5. Make sure your child knows daily that he or she is loved.
Consider giving your child a hug and expressing your love in words. Ask yourself if you really like your child
and if you enjoy having your child as a part of your life.
6. Set consistent standards of behavior for your child.
Let him or her know that there are socially acceptable and socially unacceptable behaviors. Make sure that you
child has a clear understanding of your expectations.
7. Reward and discipline your child. Let
your child know that there are consequences for acceptable and unacceptable behavior.
8. Set a good example. Make sure your
child sees you displaying the type of behavior that you would want him or her to demonstrate.
9. Discuss important values and attitudes with your child.
Make sure you sit with your child and discuss what motivates you to do your best. A solid ethical grounding
that sustains a parent through good and bad times will help sustain a child as well.
10. Share a dream. Help your child understand
that a dream shared today can be a reality someday. By helping your child set realistic goals you will help them control
their destiny in many ways.
