Talking to Your Kids About Drug Use

Talking to your kids about drug use is never an easy topic. However, like the dreaded sex education talk, it must be done. There are several ways to go about it, whether through a family conversation, through videos or books, through threats - whatever you choose, it is important that you get your point across.

Drug use during the teen years can come with devastating consequences including addiction, fatality, criminal conviction and depression. Do whatever you can to teach your children about the hazardous activity of drug use. Work on the family dynamic that you have when looking into ways to get the point across.

Drug Use Lessons

We all know the risks of drug use - it is illegal, it is dangerous and it is expensive. Drugs are bad for your body, your brain and your future but how can you instill this information into the minds of your 14 year old son, especially when you know he is surrounded by peer pressure at school?

The best way is to sit down with them and be honest. Many kids are not actually aware of the various dangers involved in taking drugs, especially harsher ones like ecstasy or LSD. You can sit down and go over the different types of drugs and why it is so important to stay away from them. Try to get to them early on, such as before they go to high school, to better prepare them.

However, keep in mind that teenagers like to rebel and you saying "don't do drugs" often leads to them wanting to do them. It might be wise to take the nonchalant approach and let them make their own decision. Of course, this is going to be risky. Trust the instincts of your child. If he is smart enough hopefully he will make the right decision.

But what happens if he doesn't? After you have talked to your kid about drug use and still find that he has been smoking pot at school then what to do you? Most parents will ground their child for disobeying their orders or take away certain privileges. However, again, this can lead to rebellion. You want to keep an eye out for your son but you don't want to lose their trust or make it so they resent you for not letting them be free during this time of growing and learning.

Your Child and Drugs

Wouldn't it be so much easier if teenagers knew what you know now? Surely they would choose the right path and stay away from drugs right? Unfortunately this is not always the case and peer pressure can often lead to drug use. If this does happen, be prepared to stay cool. Trying pot is different from smoking it every day. Hopefully your child will be one of the ones that just tries and moves on. And, if not, then being persistent and talking about drug use is the best way to get it through their heads.

The thing about kids is that, while they may listen to what you say, they may not actually follow your advice. This is what is so hard about talking to your kids about drug use. You can lecture them, smell their clothes, check their text messages and monitor their activities as much as you want but, at the end of the day, they are going to make their own mind up about drug use. Rather than focusing on prevention, focus on preparation. Hopefully, with the right information, they will come to the right decision about drug use on their own.

Free, no-obligation quotes from multiple companies

Your information is safe and secure

"Thanks for making it so easy!" - Marlene Q, Austin TX