Just Like You Program Promotes Quality Time with Children

We may be telling kids that Santa Clause is watching them this time of year, but kids are watching and copying what adults do all year long.

“During the holiday season, think about the messages you are sending to children and youth about alcohol use,” said Linda Costello, coordinator of the Garrett County Health Department’s Just Like You! campaign. “Positive role modeling promotes healthy behaviors.”

The campaign is designed to remind all adults how important it is for them to be a positive role model for the children and youth in their lives.

“Be especially careful how you talk about alcohol,” Costello added. “Talking and laughing about heavy drinking might give kids the impression that alcohol is necessary to have fun. Make sure alcohol doesn’t take center stage this holiday season. Spending quality time with the people in your household, especially the children, is a great way to show them what, and who, is important to you.”

Quality time is simple – play a board game, share your favorite Christmas memory, sled ride, take a walk, cuddle up and watch a movie, read a book, sing a song—-all of this together! Enjoy each other as a family. Christmas gifts will not last forever but memories with the family will.

The Just Like You campaign is administered by the Garrett County Health Department through funding from MDH and SAMHSA. For more information visit copycatfun.com or call Health Education and Outreach at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.

Cutline: Spending quality time with kids is an important piece of being a good role model. It lets kids know they are important to you. Pictured above is James Michaels and his son AlecXander enjoying together time.