Working On "Assets" Now Helps Kids Resist Drugs, Alcohol Later

By Marcy Beatty and Melissa Balletto

What does setting limits with preschoolers now have to do with alcohol and drug use later in life? A lot, research shows.

 About 40 parents of preschoolers and their teachers turned out for a workshop entitled “Be An Asset Builder,” recently at the North Madison Congregational Church. Sponsored by Madison Alcohol and Drug Education Coalition (M.A.D.E.) and the Madison Early Childhood Coalition, the workshop offered simple tips to foster positive development in children.

For example, studies from the Search Institute in Minneapolis have shown that the more “assets” parents bring into a child’s life, the better the odds that he will steer clear of drugs and alcohol as a teenager. These assets include modeling positive behavior when dealing with stress, safe driving practices, responsible use of alcohol and responsible use of prescription drugs, for example.

 An asset can also be an adult outside the family who has cultivated a positive relationship with your child. The work begins in infancy.

For the entire list of assets, check out: www.search-institute.org.

 For more information about M.A.D.E., visit www.madeinmadison.org.

Marcy Beatty is the assistant coalition coordinator for M.A.D.E.; Melissa Balletto is with Madison Youth and Family Services.