The Talk: 5 Simple Ways to Talk to Your Kids about Drugs and Alcohol
As a parent, you will need to talk to your children about the use and consequences of drugs and alcohol. While you may be dreading having this talk, it can be a highly effective tool in keeping your child on the right track and avoiding these dangerous substances. This talk should be had sooner rather than later because many kids are finding it easier to access both drugs and alcohol at a very young age. These 5 simple ways to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol will make the discussion easier and informative at the same time.
The Differences of Good and Bad Drugs
At a young age, your child may not be mentally developed enough to really understand what drugs are. By simply telling them that all drugs are bad for them, this could turn them away from wanting to take medicine that can help them while they are ill such as prescribed medications from their doctors and over the counter medicine such as Tylenol and Nyquil. Be sure that they know the difference between the good drugs and the bad drugs that are simply used to give them a “high” feeling. Illegal drugs can be bad for their health and can even result in death.
Keep the Conversation Going
Just having one talk with your child about drugs and alcohol will not provide them with all of information and things that they need to know about substances and how to avoid them. Keep the conversation going by discussing things with them on a regular basis and asking them if they have any questions regarding the subject. Always answer their questions, or they may turn to someone else such as a friend for advice.
How You Feel About Drugs and Alcohol
It is important to let your children know how you and your family feel about the use of drugs and alcohol. If they know that it is not acceptable to participate in recreational drug use, they are more likely to stay away from it. Even let them know that drug and alcohol use can lead to major life mistakes that could make them unhappy and unhealthy.
Discussing Peer Pressure
Kids are more likely to use drugs and drink in a group setting. Just because their friends are doing it doesn’t mean that they have to. While they may be pressured into trying something that they don’t want, let your child know that these are not good friends to have and that you should never do something just to fit in with others.
Explain Drug Use
Explain to your children why people may turn to drugs and alcohol use. Perhaps they are having problems in their lives that they can’t talk to anyone about or are suffering from mental illnesses. Let your children know that it is okay to talk to you about anything and everything and that turning to drugs is not the answer.
This article was written by Dixie Somers and coauthored by Stanley Martinson. Talking to your kids is vital for preparing them to succeed. If someone you know is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, let them know there is help available at http://www.delrayrecoverycenter.com/addiction-recovery-guide/.
