Realistic Mom

I picked Mason up from school yesterday, and he had a t-shirt in his hand.  I asked, "What's that?"  He says, "It's a DARE t-shirt they gave us.  We're supposed to wear it every Thursday."  I said, "Oh really?  Hmmm.  So do they teach you realistic ways to stay away from drugs and alcohol?"  He says, "Yeah, like saying 'No' and walking away."

Okay, really?  That's realistic?  I mean, come on.  We've all been there.  It's not that easy.  As we all know.  Mason tells me that he made a pact with a friend of his that they would never do drugs, because his friend has had issues with his dad doing them.  Yikes.  Scary.  But real life. 

So I decided to put my own spin on ACTUAL situations he'll be put in, and give him REAL responses he can use.  Like when a friend is drinking and offers him a drink, I told him to just tell his friend, "No thanks.  I'll just drive your drunk butts around."  I told him that at least that way you don't make the friend feel uncomfortable, and you can still avoid drinking, and you'll keep all of your friends safe.  Also, how about when he's in football, and he's sore from practice, and a friend offers him a prescription pain killer?  He had no response.  I told him, "Just tell the guy, 'No thanks, I've got something at home I can take'."  And then to make sure to come home and let me know what is going on in his life.  No matter what.

I also told him that no matter what, he can tell us if he has made a mistake.  Because mistakes are how you learn.  And that as long as he is honest with us, he is safe with us.  Except for drunk driving.  And we've had LOTS of conversations about that.  We tell them all the time that no matter what the situation, if they have been drinking, call us and we'll come get them.  They won't get in trouble unless they get behind the wheel.  If we have to drive five hours to get them, we will.  Mason even said yesterday, "Okay.  So what if I'm driving my drunk friends around and they cover my eyes or grab the wheel and I get in an accident, I won't get in trouble?"  I said, "Nope, as long as you are sober."  Then he asks, "What's 'sober' mean?"  Oh, I have a long way to go.  lol

I hold no delusions that my guy won't EVER try something or dabble in things that could put him in danger.  And this conversation lasted over 20 minutes in the car, giving him situations and possible ways to keep himself safe throughout the drive.  Preston was also in the back seat, listening, and providing some input.  I hope that they listen, and can come up with their own solutions.  Realistic ones.