GUEST COLUMN
It is never too early to start talking to your kids about alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs (whether illegal or prescription drugs). Approximately 3,300 kids in the United States try marijuana each day. Around 90% of addictions start in the teenage years. Prescription drugs are used by 16% of teens to get high or change moods.
The first step is knowing how to start a conversation with your child. Be aware of what to share with your child and when to start sharing. Finally, give your child prevention strategies for the real world. Also, be sure to always know the warning signs of substance misuse.
How to start the conversation; it is never easy to bring up difficult conversations, but this will be a conversation that both you and your children will be glad you talked about.
- Be honest - Kids are smart. They know if you are being honest.
- Listen - Part of having a conversation is listening.
- Share the facts - Don’t let your kid’s knowledge come from social media or their friends. There is a lot of misinformation out there.
- Offer support and acceptance - Let your kids know that you are there to support them no matter what. Make sure your kids know you care.
- Draw the line - Set clear, realistic expectations.
Setting good examples for your children should start as early as preschool years. Always answer questions with simple honest answers. When kids are ages 4 to 7, talk to them when it is natural. For example, have a discussion with your kids if you are watching television and someone is misusing alcohol, marijuana, or any other type of drugs. Ages 8 to 11, this is a good time to talk about the dangers of alcohol, marijuana, and drug misuse. Children in this age range can be told about the long-term damage associated with substance misuse. The teen years are a time to be a good listener.
It is important for teens to know that using alcohol, marijuana or abusing any type of drug can lead to addiction. Develop open, trusting communication between you and your child. Encourage conversation. Encourage your child to talk about whatever interests him or her. Listen without interruption.
It is not enough to tell your child that they should avoid alcohol, marijuana or other drugs. Learn to brainstorm with your child about how he or she might handle situations where they might be offered something harmful to them.
Give them the approval to be able to call and ask for assistance if needed. What we want, first and foremost, is for children to be safe.
One way to create safeguards for your child is to have an “amnesty policy.”
In an amnesty situation, your child can call and ask for help without incurring the regular repercussions they might have if they tried to hide their behavior.
Example: If your child is drunk at a party and they want to leave, give them permission to call you and ask for a ride so that they are not putting themselves at risk.
Parents should always know the warning signs of alcohol, marijuana or drug misuse. Seek assistance if you notice any major changes in your child such as:
- Mood changes
- School problems
- Rebelling
- Switching friends
- Not caring about anything
- Physical and mental problems
The potential consequences of drinking and using drugs are real. Any kind of experimentation is illegal, and it is dangerous.
Children don’t always have the facts when it comes to alcohol and other drugs. If parents don’t talk about the risk of underage drinking and substance use, then children might not see harm in trying alcohol and other substances. Having a conversation allows parents to set clear rules and explain what they expect.
