Many parent hold off on talking to their kids about drugs and alcohol until they enter high school. Middle school, they believe, is the last safe haven before entering into the big, bad world of high school. Data trends regarding drug use in the United States suggests, however, that high school may be too late to have the talk and that middle school might not be the protective environment many parents think it is.
The time to start talking to your kids about drugs is NOW. And if you have no idea what to say or do to help insure that they stay drug and alcohol-free, here are some tips from the experts:
- Before you even start talking, set a good example. Don’t use drugs or drink excessively. Whether they admit it or not, kids follow the lead of their parents.
- Invite more communication with your children. Tell your kids that they can ALWAYS come to you with questions about drug use.
- Take the time to get to know your child’s friends and their parents.
- Spell it out! Let your kids know point blank that you do not approve of them drinking or using drugs because it is an unhealthy activity.
- Be more involved in your kids’ extracurricular activities.
- Always keep a close eye on any alcohol or prescription drugs you keep in the house.
- Finally, tell your kids that you love them as much as possible.