Tips for Talking to Your Child About Drugs and Alcohol

Many parents hesitate to discuss alcohol and drugs with their child because they don't believe their child could become involved with drugs and alcohol, they do not know how to talk about drugs and alcohol with their child, or they are afraid of putting ideas into their child's head.

1.  Don't wait until you think that your child has a problem.  Begin early to talk about alcohol and drugs with your child, and keep the lines of communication open. Discussions should focus on maintaining good health, avoiding things that might harm their body, and the effects of drugs on different parts of the body.  Explain how medicines may help during illness, when prescribed by a doctor and administered by a responsible adult, but also how medicines are drugs that can be harmful if misused.

2.  Be a good listener.  Make sure your child feels comfortable bringing problems and questions to you.  Listen closely to your child.

3.  Give clear messages and expectations.  Children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs if they know that this behavior is unacceptable to their parents. When discussing the use of alcohol and drugs, be sure you give your child a clear "no-use" message, so your child will know exactly what is expected and why.  for example:

"In our family, we do not allow children to drink alcohol."
"The rule in our house is that nobody uses drugs."
"I love you very much and I want the best for you, so I don't want you drinking alcohol or using drugs."

4.  Practice ways to say no with your child.  Help your child practice ahead of time so he/she will know what to say when someone confronts him/her about alcohol or other drugs. Describe situations that may make your child feel uncomfortable (being offered alcohol or cigarettes).  Emphasize ways to refuse alcohol and other drugs.  Reinforce to your child that although you expect him/her to refuse, you understand that saying no is difficult, even for adults.  For examples:

"What would you do if some older kids came up to you at school and offered you marijuana?  What would you say to them?  What if they called you a chicken or a baby?"

If your child practice saying the right answers ahead of time. chances are more likely he/she will actually use them when a situation arises.

5.  Be aware of other influences.  Whether you talk with your child about alcohol and drugs or not, your child is receiving powerful messages through peers, media, etc. Be selective about television shows, movies, and music that promote alcohol and other drug use as normal and fun.  Point out the negative effects of alcohol use when your child watches shows or commercials that portray alcohol use as funny or attractive.

6.  Set a good example.  By setting a good example, you will increase the chance that your child will make healthy decisions about alcohol and other drugs. If you drink, let your child see that you drink small amounts that do not produce intoxication.  If you don't drink, explain to your child why you have made this choice.  Do not have children serve alcoholic drinks in your home, and do not ask them to get you a beer from the refrigerator.

7.  Emphasize that using alcohol or other drugs is ILLEGAL for ALL CHILDREN!!

Additional information:

The Responsible Parent - Talking to your Kids about Alcohol, PA Liquor Control Board (1-800-453-PLCB) http://www.lcb.state.pa.us/edu/

Growing Up Drug Free, US Department of Education (1-877-433-7837)

Make a Difference:  Talk to your Child about Alcohol, US Department of Health and Human services (1-800-48704889)

Keeping Youth Drug-Free, US Department of Health and Human Services, Center for substance Abuse Prevention (1-800-729-6686)

http://www.foh.dhhs.gov/Public/redribbon.asp

http://www.troinfo.com/drug.txt