How to Talk With Your Kids about Drugs (At Any Age)
The facts about alcohol and drug use are scary for parents of teenagers or 30 somethings. But kids don’t come with a manual. So, how should parents talk about drugs?
First of all, it is important to recognize that almost everyone has been or will be exposed to drugs and alcohol. Most addicts start their use between ages 12 and 18, so the time to talk with them about drugs is now, even if they’re only eight.
When talking to very young children, it is important to keep it simple and clear. For example, “Sweetie, some people put things in their bodies that can make them very sick. Sometimes, things can feel good at first, even if they are very bad. If your friends or anyone ever asks you to eat or drink something that you don’t know is good or bad, tell them ‘No, thank you’ and ask Mommy or Daddy about it.”
When talking to older kids, you should talk about specific drugs and some of the harmful effects of each. You can talk with them about why some people use. It is important to be honest that people seek these things out so they can feel good.
If you tell kids only, “Drugs are bad! Never touch them!” and they, at some point, decide to try it anyway, kids may think, “Hey, Mom said drugs were all bad, but this feels great. So it must not be that bad.” Talk about how it starts by feeling good, but it can also cause serious side effects and even death.
Discuss with your children the difference between pleasure and happiness and how we can find day-to-day pleasure in relationships and fun activities. Let them know that true happiness can only be obtained if we make choices that are good for our bodies and minds. The pleasure someone feels in drug use is short-lived and comes with a very big price- the price of happiness, the price of health, and sometimes the price of life itself.
Having a quality relationship with your child is very important. Your child’s comfort level in talking with you can mean a world of difference in his or her ability to approach you about situations that come up at any stage of life. This does not mean you should be your child’s best friend. But children, who are afraid to talk to their parents about things like drugs, are more likely to use.
To learn more enroll in the Cold Creek Family Program call us today 1-877-593-6777.
