Look, we get it. No parent really likes having uncomfortable or serious conversations with their kids. It can feel weird and forced, especially with moody and sassy teens who think they know everything (we’ve all been there).
But speaking with your children about topics like drugs is something that you have to do. Teaching them about the consequences and dangers of drug use could literally save their life.
But how can you really get your point across to your children? How can you help them along the right path to keep them safe? If you’re wondering how to talk to your kids about drugs, keep reading.
We’ve got 4 tips that will help you out. even if it doesn’t make the conversation a walk in the park, following these tips will make it a lot easier.
1. Speak to Your Children at All Ages
Many parents wait until their kids are teenagers to have these difficult conversations. But opening an honest line of communication when your kids are young will make it easier for both you and your kids to talk about these topics.
That doesn’t mean you have to talk about cocaine use with your 4-year-old. But introduce the ideas of consequences and of a healthy lifestyle when they’re young before moving into specifics as they get older.
2. Establish Clear Rules and Consequences
This is good for all age groups: clearly outline rules and consequences. Kids who understand that actions have consequences and that certain activities will lead to negative outcomes will be less likely to use drugs.
As kids get older, make it clear that you won’t tolerate drug use in your house. You can even draw up a “contract” about drinking, drug use, cigarettes, and more as it pertains to your rules.
3. Teach Them Ways to Refuse
Many kids and teens find that they don’t know how to say no, especially when experiencing peer pressure. Practice acting out situations and how they can refuse using if they wish. This will give them clear ways to say no to drugs.
4. Go Over Facts about Drugs and Addiction, Not Scare Tactics
Parents and teachers often resort to scare tactics to get kids not to drink or use drugs. But if there’s one thing all kids hate, it’s being spoken down to, or spoken to like they’re stupid.
Kids are smart. They know when “facts” are simply made up to scare them into not using drugs or drinking.
Teach your kids real facts about drug use. Tell them about real life consequences. Teach them about the dangers of addiction and what they can do if they feel they’ve become addicted.
As the addiction center Inspire Malibu says, addiction is a disease that can affect anyone. Teaching your children this along with how they can get help will give them the true reality of drug use.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Drugs: Start with These 4 Tips
While these 4 tips on how to talk to your kids about drugs won’t make the conversation instantly easy, it will help you. If you need more tips on how to have these tough conversations with your kids, check out these parenting tips.
