In a world where, according to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, 31.2% of high school seniors nationwide report using an illegal drug in the past year, how do you talk to your kids about substance abuse safety?
It can feel like a daunting conversation. However, it’s one that every parent should be prepared for, even if your child’s primary friend groups entail generally positive climates and structured activities such as an athletic team or a church group.
So how do we get ready for it? Here are some tips:
- Learn the facts. There are many dangers inherent in substance abuse, and it’s important that you are prepared to communicate these risks to your child. The goal is not to traumatize them with fear, but to ensure that they can see the risks objectively. Many kids simply don’t know the truth about the damage that could be done in both the near and long term.
- Put yourself in your child’s shoes and seek to understand their thinking about these substances. Some of this could provide opportunity for correction, but it could also lead to collaboration about strategies to respond to peer pressure or what to do in potentially dangerous situations.
- Set clear boundaries. It’s unfair to expect kids to adhere to expectations that aren’t communicated. Take time to have uncomfortable conversations with your kids to ensure that they understand the limits.
What to dig further? Check out this Parents Guide to Vaping Conversations from the American Lung Association, or this article from NPR.
