As a parent, it's extremely important that you do everything you can to keep your kids safe. This requires talking about situations that may make you or your child uncomfortable, including sex, dating, and drugs.
Sometimes parents hope for the best because they don't want to talk about drugs with their children, but doing so is extremely important to ensure they have the information they need to make smart decisions. So instead of ignoring the topic, here are a few ways to help you talk to your kids about drugs.
Be honest.
The first thing you need to do is be honest. Always tell your child the truth about drugs. If you make things up, your child will easily find out that you're lying. If your child catches you in a lie, he or she will have a hard time trusting you in the future. Speak openly and honestly with your child about it, no matter how uncomfortable you or they may be.
Keep it simple.
Talking about drugs doesn't have to be an event you plan. Instead, find times to talk with your child about drugs that make sense. For example, if your child mentions something about a celebrity and drug addiction, take this time to speak with your child about drugs. When these impromptu times pop up, keep it simple just by stating the facts. It may not feel like much, but it will resonate with them.
Be involved.
Teaching your child about drugs is more than just talking; it's about being involved. When you're involved with your child's life, you create a stronger family. When you have a strong bond, your child will be more comfortable talking with you about situations. At the same time, you'll also be able to notice any changes in your child that may warrant a conversation about drugs.
Use real examples.
If you have someone in your family that suffered from drug addiction, tell your child. Having something resonate with their life can be enough to teach them. If possible, you should have that person talk with your child about drugs too. They can provide first-hand knowledge about how the choice affected their life in a negative way. This can do a lot to ensure your child always makes smart decisions.
Listen.
Effective communication is one part talking and one part listening. Make sure that you are always listening to what your child says. Sometimes your child may be starting a conversation with you about something like drugs, and if you miss the signs, you won't have the conversation they're looking to have.
Talking with your kids about drugs is very important, so make sure that you do everything you can to talk openly and honestly with them about it. If you do find yourself with a child that's abusing drugs, find a drug rehab clinic in your area that can provide the professional help he or she needs.
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Do you find it hard to talk to your kids about difficult issues like drugs?
What can you share with others that may help them when trying to share with their children?
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