Local physicians provide advice about parenting teenage children

Preventing youth substance abuse was among the many adolescent health-related topics discussed during last night's Children's HealthLink special. 

During Part 3 of the show, the three Seattle Children's physicians on the panel stated:

-- marijuana and alcohol are detrimental to the growing brain;

-- parents can teach their children drug/alcohol refusal skills -- role playing is especially effective;

-- parents play an important role in preventing youth substance abuse and should talk to their children early, when they are 11-13 years old, about not using drugs/alcohol.

Earlier in the day, Dr.'s Walker and Breuner appeared on New Day NW and talked about how to keep teenage children safe, healthy and motivated during summer  break.