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Personal Habits

If you like to drink alcohol -- STOP drinking. While it may seem natural to have a few beers to relax, everyone knows that alcohol impairs your judgment. You could say or do something that you will regret. Drinking also makes you sleepy, and you have to be alert. Think of what would happen if you were drinking, the kids get hurt and you have to take them to the emergency room. Who is going to drive? It should go without saying that driving after drinking and showing up with an injured child at the hospital is going to get you into an unpleasant situation. Everyone is aware of the physical affects of alcohol, but think about your family - one beer could wreck your entire family and your future as a parent.

Short of stopping entirely, stop while the kids are home and you are the only adult there. Wait until they go to visit their mother before you have a few to knock the dust off the week’s activities. And think of it this way, $4.50 for a six-pack is about 3 ½ gallons of gas for the car or a happy meal at McDonalds. Feeling guilty yet? “Kids First” is more than a mantra, it is your way of life.

Do not smoke in public. Public opinion is against smoking. More and more cities are banning smoking in public places. There are obvious health reasons for you to stop smoking, but it is also better for your kids if you don’t smoke. You will save money, your breath will stop stinking and that nasty haze on your windshield will disappear!

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