Setting the Rules
You’ve listened to your teen and know about the risks of drug use. Now comes the tough part — finding the words to say
and actually starting the conversation. Here are some suggestions for opening lines (and some follow-up lines too)
recommended by Dr. Cunningham, father of Noelle, 11, and Phillippe Pete, 10. You don’t have to follow the script word
for word. Find your own words and find the times and place that’s comfortable for you to talk, like in the car when
it’s just the two of you, on walks together, or before you go to bed.
Kids often say that their parents don’t talk to them about drugs — even though their parents report that they do.
Don’t leave your kids guessing. Tell them very clearly that you don’t want them using substances — no tobacco, alcohol,
marijuana, ecstasy or inhalants. Setting a firm rule of no drug use will help your teen navigate peer and other pressure
to use drugs. Here are some examples of rules that parenting experts recommend:
“If you’re at a party and you see that drugs or alcohol are being used,
the rule is to leave that party. Call me and I’ll come and get you.”
“I’ve been thinking lately that I’ve never actually told you this:
I don’t want you using alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs.”
“I’ve been thinking lately that I’ve never actually told you this:
I don’t want you using alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs.”
“I love you and I want the best for you, so I don’t
want you using marijuana or any other drugs.”
“You know, using drugs is not a game. I don’t want
you doing them, not now, not ever.”
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