TIPS FOR TALKING WITH YOUR TEENAGER

Get the Facts: Take time to learn a little about drugs, especially if you suspect that they may already be part of your teen’s life. Avoid the temptation to use scare tactics. By discussing factual information with your teen, you can be sure that you both have the same understanding of the drugs and their effects.

Encourage questions: Teenagers have lots of questions, but they are often reluctant to ask questions. They don’t want to appear to be ignorant or unsophisticated. This can lead them into social situations and actions they feel unsure about, but are too embarrassed to avoid. Perhaps they are not sure about the effects of a drug and so they decide to try it. Maybe they are not comfortable with saying “no” to pressure from their friends.If your teenager can count on you to respond to questions and concerns in a reasonable and non-judgmental way, they may get into the habit of talking with you. Once your teen learns to trust you, they’ll be more likely to talk with you about the pressures to use alcohol and other drugs.

Listen: You can help your child by listening to what they have to say, and keeping the lines of communication open. Encourage your teen to ask you questions, and think of ways to open a conversation with them. For example, you could ask what it’s like to be in their social group at school. Open-ended questions that require more than a one-word answer may help you to engage in real conversation with your teen, and may give you an opportunity to learn from your teen.

Control your emotions. If you hear something you don’t like, try not to respond with anger. Instead, take a few deep breaths and acknowledge your feelings in a constructive way. Be clear about your own values but avoid sweeping statements (all drugs are bad) or threats (if I ever catch you taking drugs...). Kids feel immortal, so scaring them doesn’t work, and threats invite rebellion.

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