Where to start when…
talking to teens about drugs?
It’s not like the topic just “pops” up in everyday conversation, and it can be a tough topic to address.
*This post is sponsored by The PACT… a web-based tool designed to help prevent drug teen drug use. All opinion is my own.
I have operated under the philosophy that I need to nurture the skill and art of conversation with my kids BEFORE they are teens. So when a topic like drug use has to be brought up, the idea of talking to a parent is not new. Conversation is not a foreign idea if it has been an integral part of the family style.
BUT… just because you’ve nurtured a conversational environment, that doesn’t mean we can sit back and relax.
Talking to teens about drugs.
These tips are so simple and straightforward:
Parents
- Keep it short and simple.
- Be yourself.
- Seize the moment.
Teens
- Don’t criticize or ridicule your parent’s viewpoint.
- Make requests.
- Use “I” statements to express feelings
PARENTS. The PACT has a GREAT video about the teen brain. It’s a must watch. You can find it here.
The PACT provides new, innovative resources for schools to tackle drug use by students through drug prevention and education. Their research reveals that schools and parents need to address the subject of drug use and prevention early, often and continually. Visit their site. They have created a great program beyond Talk Tips that help parents take the conversation to the next level. This sponsored post was created in an effort to help get this word out… the WE (Mom and Dad) have to be proactive in our teens’ lives, especially when it comes to drug use.
Do you talk to your teen about drugs? How do you get the conversation going in your family?
