Just as you inoculate your kids against illnesses like measles,
you can help "immunize" them against drug use by giving
them the facts before they're in a risky situation.
When kids don't feel comfortable talking to parents,
they're likely to seek answers elsewhere, even if their sources
are unreliable. Kids who aren't properly informed are at
greater risk of engaging in unsafe behaviors and experimenting with
drugs.
Preschool to Age 7
Before you get nervous about talking to young kids, take heart.
You've probably already laid the groundwork for a discussion.
For instance, whenever you give a fever medication or an antibiotic
to your child, you have the opportunity to discuss the benefits and
the appropriate and responsible use of those drugs. This is also a
time when your child is likely to be very attentive to your
behavior and guidance.
Start taking advantage of "teachable moments" now. If
you see a character on a billboard or on TV with a cigarette, talk
about smoking, nicotine addiction, and what smoking does to a
person's body. This can lead into a discussion about other
drugs and how they can potentially cause harm.
Keep the tone of these discussions calm and use terms that your
child can understand. Be specific about the effects of the drugs:
how they make a person feel, the risk of overdose, and the other
long-term damage they can cause. To give your kids these facts, you
might have to do a little research.
Ages 8 to 12
As your kids grow older, you can begin conversations with them
by asking them what they think about drugs. By asking the questions
in a nonjudgmental, open-ended way, you're more likely to get
an honest response.
Kids this age usually are still willing to talk openly to their
parents about touchy subjects. Establishing a dialogue now helps
keep the door open as kids get older and are less inclined to share
their thoughts and feelings.
Even if your question doesn't immediately result in a
discussion, you'll get your kids thinking about the issue. If
you show your kids that you're willing to discuss the topic and
hear what they have to say, they might be more willing to come to
you for help in the future.
News, such as steroid use in professional sports, can be
springboards for casual conversations about current events. Use
these discussions to give your kids information about the risks of
drugs.
Ages 13 to 17
Kids this age are likely to know other kids who use alcohol or
drugs, and to have friends who drive. Many are still willing to
express their thoughts or concerns with parents about it.
Use these conversations not only to understand your child's
thoughts and feelings, but also to talk about the dangers of
driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Talk about the
legal issues - jail time and fines - and the possibility that they
or someone else might be killed or seriously injured.
Consider establishing a written or verbal contract on the rules
about going out or using the car. You can promise to pick your kids
up at any time (even 2:00 AM!) no questions asked if they call you
when the person responsible for driving has been drinking or using
drugs.
The contract also can detail other situations: For example, if
you find out that someone drank or used drugs in your car while
your son or daughter was behind the wheel, you may want to suspend
driving privileges for 6 months. By discussing all of this with
your kids from the start, you eliminate surprises and make your
expectations clear.
Laying Good Groundwork
No parent, child, or family is immune to the effects of drugs.
Some of the best kids can end up in trouble, even when they have
made an effort to avoid it and even when they have been given the
proper guidance from their parents.
However, certain groups of kids may be more likely to use drugs
than others. Kids who have friends who use drugs are likely to try
drugs themselves. Those feeling socially isolated for whatever
reason may turn to drugs.
So it's important to know your child's friends - and
their parents. Be involved in your children's lives. If your
child's school runs an anti-drug program, get involved. You
might learn something! Pay attention to how your kids are feeling
and let them know that you're available and willing to listen
in a nonjudgmental way. Recognize when your kids are going through
difficult times so that you can provide the support they need or
seek additional care if it's needed.
A warm, open family environment - where kids are encouraged to
talk about their feelings, where their achievements are praised,
and where their self-esteem is bolstered - encourages kids to come
forward with their questions and concerns. When censored in their
own homes, kids go elsewhere to find support and answers to their
most important questions.
Reviewed by:
Michele Van Vranken, MD
Date reviewed: October 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth. All rights reserved.