If you are a parent, grandparent, older sibling, guardian, or trusted adult, you may encounter a moment (or several) where the subject of drug use comes up. Some may have an easy response ready and will be comfortable with continuing, but some feel it’s a touchy subject or don’t feel equipped with the right answers and get nervous or worried about continuing.
We suggest you begin these safety conversations about drugs when your kids are young. These conversations should be age-appropriate, whether your children are pre-schoolers, pre-teens or teens, each age group needs conversations that are specific to their age, developmental stage and experiences. When you start early, your younger kids will also understand the health consequences of using substances like medicines and vitamins when they’re young. When you’re ready to talk, try to make it a relaxed two-way discussion, not a lecture. Discuss your feelings about substance use calmly and listen to what they have to say. Ask them what they’ve heard at school about cannabis, for example, and actively listen to what they are saying to you.
It’s important to understand that kids may have a very different understanding or perception about drug and alcohol use and the chances are they’ve already heard things from their peers that might be misleading or don’t align with your own feelings. Try not to dismiss their input but listen with an open and calm mind.
Sources,
https://www.drugfreekidscanada.org/talk/the-importance-of-communication/active-listening/
