Every parent should be concerned about teen drugs use. The promotion of it is plastered all over the television with ‘role models’ like Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus. Drugs and alcohol are readily available in schools. And, some drugs are even easier to get just by stopping in at the home medicine cabinet.
When it comes to talking to your kids about drugs, the first step is to ensure that you are well-educated on the topic. It is also important how you approach the subject of drugs when it comes to your kids. A surefire way to be ineffective in your efforts is to try and educate your child as an authoritative or threatening manner. If you try this method, your child can automatically tune you out. A smarter approach is to ask the child questions and then provide answers that are based on factual information.
Effective Ways to Prevent Drug Use
The following three things are effective ways to educate your child about drugs and their effects, and have success.
Number 1: Tell them they can come to you, no matter what.
This will help to open the line of communication for them to ask questions regarding drugs and drug use. Many children automatically believe they will get in trouble if they talk about drugs, which is why you have to make it a “safe” subject. When you make this effort they can come to you for their information, rather than getting untrue information from peers and other unreliable sources of information.
Number 2: Be honest.
Chances are your kids will hear a ton of information about drugs that makes them appealing. Such as they make you feel good, give you energy and many other types of information. At this point, you have to be honest. You can tell them that, yes, drugs can create these feelings, however the effects are limited and with the good feelings you will also experience a number of bad side-effects. Lying about the effects of drugs will not be an effective method to convince your kids not to try them. You have to provide factual information about addiction, abuse and the effects that it can have on their entire lives.
Number 3: That it is okay to say no.
Peer pressure is unimaginable for kids in modern society. The want they have to fit in makes it extremely difficult not to join in something that their friends are doing, even if they know the consequences. This is why you have to let them know that saying no is okay. Also, if they feel too much pressure, they should call you or find another adult for help. Also, let them know that these situations will be difficult, but doing the right thing is important.
When you begin to provide information to your child about drugs and drug use, it is essential that you make sure they fully understand what you are telling them. If they happen to ask you a question that you are unable to answer, then you should find the information, rather than telling them something that may not be true. This is the perfect opportunity to work with your child to find the answer to their question.
Good communication, patience and honesty are key factors when it comes to talking to your children about drugs and drug usage. When you make the effort to talk with them, listen to their questions and provide factual information, it will help them to say no when they are presented with the opportunity to try any type of illegal drug.
There is also further help available from school counselors and other third party organizations. If your child ever experiences symptoms or signs of drug use, you should seek help immediately to prevent the problem from becoming a full-fledged addiction.