Show the Love By Talking to Kids About Alcohol & Other Drugs

 

February is known as the month of LOVE and what  better way of showing your children that you love them than by arming them with knowledge?! 

Parents can help protect kids against alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use by giving them the facts they need before they find themselves in risky situations. Knowing the facts can make kids less likely to experiment with drugs or to rely on friends for answers. Your views on alcohol, tobacco, and drugs can strongly affect how they think and guide them toward making healthy choices. 

Our prevention partners at SAMHSA offer the "Talk. They Hear You." campaign to outline some of the reasons why youth may turn to alcohol or other drugs and offer helpful tips parents and caregivers can use to help and support them. Use these 5 Goals when talking to your kids about alcohol and other harmful substances:

Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse - over 80% of young people age 10-18 say parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. Send a clear and strong message that you disapprove of underage drinking and misuse of other drugs.

Show you care about your child's health, wellness, and success - young people are more likely to listen when they know you're on their side. Reinforce why you don't want your child to drink or use drugs - you want them to be happy and safe. The conversation will go a lot better if you're open and you show concern.

Show you're a good source of information - you want your child to make informed decisions about alcohol and other drugs with reliable information about their dangers. Establish yourself as a trustworthy source of information.

Show you're paying attention and you'll discourage risky behaviors - know what your child is up to, as young people are more likely to drink or use other drugs if they think no one will notice. Do this in a subtle way, without prying.

Build your child's skills and strategies for avoiding underage drinking and drug use - even if you don't think you child wants to drink or try other drugs, peer pressure can be a powerful thing. Having a plan to avoid alcohol and drug use can help children make better choices. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they'll say, "no thanks." 

For helpful information and materials to help you start the conversation with your children, visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you