Perhaps you've heard of virginity pledges. This is where kids and young adults (well, ok, fundamentalist kids and young adults) promise not to have sex until they get married. Funny story--they don't work. The best part is that four out of five conveniently denied/forgot that they had made such a pledge. I wonder what would make them do that?
The real issue here is the "magic bullet" approach to getting kids to avoid behaviors that may have bad consequences (e.g., sex, drinking, drugs, and tobacco) just doesn't work. Just like DARE is a scam. These programs make adults (and/or law enforcement) feel like they are doing something, when in fact they are trying to alleviate their guilt for their ineffective parenting skills. Raising healthy kids takes a lifetime, not exacting an empty promise or having Officer Donut lecture them.
So, instead of having your kids make a New Year's resolution to not (fill in the blank), talk to them. A lot.
Have a great and safe New Year's.
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