How to Talk to Your Kids About Drugs
First and foremost, it is important to be educated about drugs yourself. This site and others can provide you with information, as well as the books and materials that Narconon International offers. There are many other resources available, including several government websites that provide basic drug information, current news and study results.
Also important is how you talk to your kids. What has never worked in drug education is telling someone something from an authoritative viewpoint. As soon as one starts in with that approach, the child will immediately tune them out. A better approach is to ask them questions and then provide basic, accurate information.
One can simply ask, “What have you heard about drugs that is good?”
At this point, it is very important for the parent to simply listen to the child’s response without interrupting. Give them your full attention. No matter what they say, be patient and listen carefully.
When they have finished telling you the good things they have heard about drugs, we have found it is best to simply say “thank you” or “I understand” in response to what they have shared. This helps give your child confidence that they can talk to you and that you are interested in what they have to say. It’s like having a conversation with your best friend, only this one happens to be your child.
Now that they have told you what they heard that was positive about drugs, it is time to provide accurate information. The objective is to give the child correct information so they can make sound decisions on their own. We have found that when young people are given accurate information about drugs, their attitude about them changes and they make their own decisions not to use them. Their own solid decision will carry them a long way.
When providing them with information, ensure that they fully understand it. Check their understanding and ask for an example of what they have just learned. If they ask a question that you can’t answer, it is important that you are honest with them and don’t try to make something up. Use the opportunity to work with them to find the answer.
Honesty, patience and good communication are key to Talking to Your Kids About Drugs. Getting their questions answered will help ensure they make the right decision not to use drugs.
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