As a parent, one of the hardest parts of the job is to discipline your children. While you know it is for a good reason and it will only help them in the future, it is often hard to take away things you know they like, keep them away from doing something they want to do, or to sternly tell them what they did wrong.

But another hard task that likely falls close in line on the difficult scale is talking to your kids about things – such as drugs and alcohol. Topics like these can make both parties feel awkward, despite the fact that it is in the comfort of a parent-child relationship.

But with addictions such as opioid addiction plaguing our society today, the first step to prevention of drug use and abuse is openly discussing the risks. And this conversation is most effective when had at an early age. So, while it might seem awkward or uncomfortable at first, talking to your kids about drugs is incredibly important.

If you are ready to talk to your child about drugs but you are still looking for that perfect starter to get the conversation going, here are a few ideas:

  1. Have you been in a situation where you had the opportunity to use drugs? How did this make you feel and why? Start by simply asking your child if this is a temptation or opportunity they have ever even been exposed to. The way they answer this question determines how the rest of your conversation will go.
  2. Picture yourself 20 years from now with a son or a daughter who is the age you are now. How would you feel about them doing drugs and what would you say to them? Depending on the personality of your child, this might not work as well as other routes. However, sometimes teens just need to be forced to pause for a second and put themselves in someone else’s shoes – or just the shoes of their future self.
  3. What would you do if you are put in a position where someone does offer you drugs? Or in a position where you are surrounded by drug use? The way to overcome any temptation is to have a plan in mind before it even happens. Help your child come up with a plan – don’t force it and make it for them but help guide them and know that they have one.
  4. Have you seen someone embarrass themselves or make a poor decision while using drugs? Making your child think of consequences they have seen happen to others is a great way to demonstrate why they shouldn’t be doing it.
  5. What are some alternatives to drugs that teens can do to have fun? Sometimes when peer pressure creeps in, it can seem like drugs are the only way to have fun. However, we know this is not the case. Bring this to the attention of your child.

Talking to your kids about drug use might not be easy, but it is necessary. Take that step today to help protect your child’s future.

Article provided by Valiant Recovery