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Advice & Tips
Conversations:
What to Say
    ...to your teen
    ...to the family
  > ...to adult influencers
    ...to other parents
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How well do you really know your teen? Answer these questions and find out.

 "Talk to your children on a daily basis. Find out what is going on in their lives, and most importantly, listen to them."
— A Parent

Don't know what to say? These conversation starters can help.

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Having the Conversation… with an Adult Influencer

There are many people who influence a teenager’s life and it may be time to enlist their support to deliver or reinforce an anti-drug message. Influencers can be coaches, mentors, faith leaders, scout leaders, etc. They can be an important ally for you and your teen.

Key Talking Points:

  • I have a family problem that I need help with. I hope that you’ll be able to give me some advice or direct me to someone who can help.
  • My teen looks up to you as his coach and mentor—is there something you can do to help me get through to him?
  • I need your help with a problem that my child may have, but I need your assurance that my child will not be singled out because I’m telling you about it. Can you give me that assurance?
  • Have you ever had to deal with teen drug use on your team before? How did you handle it in the past?
  • Do you ever talk to your team members/scout group/church group about using drugs or alcohol? If not, would you be willing to talk to them or bring in a community volunteer to talk with them? It would help me if you reinforced what I am trying to teach my child at home—that there is no drug or alcohol use allowed by teens in our family.
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