Although this has not been a problem in our family and we are also fortunate that it really doesn’t fall into any of the family bondage categories that can be so difficult to overcome.
That said though I understand the distraction, peer pressure and temptation this can pose to a young person! It is something we have already discussed often with our older children and will continue to have what we call “opportunistic conversations” with them about.
One thing about sports that I never would have anticipated is the wonderful alone time it gives us with them as we drive them around. They love to have conversations with us, and for some reason they tend to get a bit deeper with me sometimes. When it is subjects like friends, mean kids, drugs, alcohol, peer pressure and even dating, I can handle it. I love that they know even now where we stand on all of these subjects and even have tools and ideas to help them handle it correctly should they choose to do so when presented with a situation that involves any of this.
That is the bottom line though isn’t it? As they grow up they must begin understanding and making choices for themselves. I try to make sure they understand the consequences of a decision to participate in addictive behaviors, this gives them the facts they need to make an informed decision, the rest is left to God in prayer.
Oh, and that’s another thing I love, they know that even though I’m not always around God sees everything. They also know (or are learning) that since I have a close relationship with God (who sees and knows everything) I may actually have insight into behaviors that they thought they could get away with since I wasn’t around. They never have been able to figure out how I know when they have done something sneaky. Some of it is simply obvious, children are not all that clever really (that or they think we are really quite dumb, I’m not sure which), but some of it is found out simply by the grace of God.
I hope that you are not dealing with this area too closely and that like me it is merely a proactive prayer to keep your children out of this misery. Blessings to you this week!