Many Native American communities have high rates of alcoholism. Children growing up in alcoholic families often exhibit co-dependent or para-alcoholic behaviors, which place them at high risk of educational failure. The Love Bug model was designed to encourage culturally appropriate self-expression and to promote self-love and detachment from alcohol among preschool and elementary school children. The model was implemented with 20 Head Start students identified as para-alcoholic. Already at high risk, these 4-year-olds rejected their teacher's touch, laughed at compliments, were afraid to try new things, were afraid of making mistakes, and had poor social skills. The Love Bug--a stuffed animal with a human face and long arms for hugging--was used to introduce classroom rules, to provide a means to compliment appropriate behavior, and to ease the children into allowing themselves to be touched. The Love Bug's nest was a place where students who needed time-out could sit, hold the Love Bug, and be soothed by music. Charts were kept on student behavior. During the months of implementation, the children began to touch and hug their teacher often. Parents reported that their children had become more affectionate at home. Para-alcoholic behaviors, seen in overwhelming amounts during the first month of school, diminished. Evaluations by parents, educators, and tribal leaders were all positive. This paper contains 24 references; class, parent, and youth survey instruments; and a Love Bug model study guide. (SV)