Talk to Your Kids

The most important thing you can do to prevent your kids from using drugs? Talk to them. If they don't hear your opinion on the subject, they may think that you don't have one. And that could open the door to experimentation and even to regular use.

Even if you've tried drugs yourself, you need to talk to your kids about them. Start when your children are young. Teens who say they learned a lot about the risks of drugs from their parents are 40% less likely to start smoking marijuana. And keep on talking. Small, frequent talks about the damaging effects of alcohol and other drugs are far more important, experts say, than trying to "cover it all" once or twice a year.

The preschool years -- ages three to five -- are not too early to start laying the groundwork for anti-drug messages. Smaller children will listen when you point out the difference between healthy and unhealthy habits. When they're older, emphasize the harmful effects alcohol, tobacco and other drugs can have on the things they care about most. Teens who know that drugs could hurt their appearance, their body or their brain, may be less inclined to experiment.

Talk to Your Kids: Information by Age Group
Preschoolers
Kindergarten through 3rd grade
Grades 4 through 6
Grades 7 through 9
Grades 10 through 12

Also, take the time to listen. Unhealthy messages about how cool it is to smoke, drink, or take drugs are everywhere these days. Your kids will tell you what they see and experience. Listen and watch for all of the positive messages they get about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco and don't miss the opportunity to counteract those messages.

Kids are vulnerable to peer pressure and may have trouble turning down drugs, so teach them how to say no in ways that are "cool" and decisive.

Helping Your Child Say "No" To Drugs
Basic Drug Information

Worried that talking about drugs might give your kids the idea to try them? Forget about it. Kids need to know that you have an opinion. And most important, they need to hear -- everyday -- how much you love and care about them.

While you're talking, lay down some rules about alcohol and drug use. Be clear and consistent. Set a good example. Don't take a drink or prescription drugs just because you've had a bad day. And make sure your kids engage in healthy activities to relieve stress.

Talk about the values of your family and your household. Medical studies show that teens who report feeling close to their families are the least likely to take risks such as drinking or smoking cigarettes and marijuana.

Maintain your composure when talking about drugs with your kids. Even if they tell you something that's disturbing, it's important to stay calm. They need to be able to trust you and to know that they can tell you anything. It's important that you don't put your child on the defensive.

If you've discovered your kid has been drinking or using drugs, wait until he is sober and you are calm before discussing the situation. But don't ignore the problem. You'll make an enormous difference in your child's life, if you keep the lines of communication open.

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