It is important for parents to have a healthy relationship when it comes to talking to their children about drugs. You cannot talk to your child like they are still an innocent child. They do not want to hear that you are worried because they think you are only worried about them. They need to know that you are worried because they are putting their health and others’ health at risk by their drug use. Here are some tips for talking to your child about drugs.
– Talk with your child about the consequences of their drug use. Take advantage of non-confrontational “teachable moments.” If you watch a character on television who has a smoking habit, discuss what it does to the body and to the mind. This will encourage a conversation about why drugs are bad and how they affect others.
– Explain the benefits of exercising and healthy eating. Encourage your child to eat right and to get exercise. Talk about how these things will help keep the body young and healthy and how drugs are just one way that kids do this. For example, when a child is hungry, they will eat less so that they get nutrients from their food. This is a good lesson for parent and child.
– Remind your child that you love them and want them to make decisions that are best for them. This may trigger a talk about drugs, but do not jump to that subject right away. Give your child time to think about it and then discuss it with your child. Be sure that you are supportive of your child’s choices even as you criticize their behavior.
– It is important to be able to recognize when a child may have a drug addiction. When you begin talking to your child about drugs, be sure that you ask open-ended questions that will bring up the subject if necessary. Don’t use a judgmental tone or question your child’s motives or personality. Do not use scare quotes around the word “abusers”.
– Be sensitive to your child’s feelings. Your child has probably said or done some pretty scary things that can make you feel angry or scared. It is important to understand that your child feels these things. Talk to your child about what these things mean to him or her. Do not attempt to diminish what your child has said or done. You can only help your child if you yourself are comfortable with it.
– Be understanding and sympathetic. Children do not like being labeled or judged. It is a way for adults to avoid dealing with the real issues in their lives. While it is important for parents to take custody of their children, it is just as important for them to give kids a chance to grow into responsible, respectful, and well-adjusted young men or women. Talk to your child about the impact of drugs on his/her life and the choices he/she has.
The above article is a basic outline of tips that you can use when talking to your child about drugs. There is really no need to go into too much detail. Simply be supportive while making clear invitations for your child to find other ways to cope with his/her drug addiction. Talking to your child is a very good way to start.
If you think talking to your child is having more than a marginal influence on your child’s addiction, it may be time to seek professional help. Your child needs someone who understands the power of drugs to influence his/her life. Also, getting professional help can help you find other alternatives to dealing with your child’s drug addiction.
Of course, if the above steps are not working, you can consider a referral to a drug treatment facility. These centers are specialized in helping addicts overcome their addictions. There are several treatment centers out there but make sure to choose a center that can help your child get over his addiction. These centers also provide educational programs for your child to encourage him/her to stay away from drugs. They can teach your child methods of how to lead a normal, happy, and healthy lifestyle.
In ending, remember that talking to your child about drugs should be done in an open and honest manner. The best way to deal with your child’s addiction is to support your child and get your child in the right direction. Remember, the success of any recovery process is related to the support of the addict as well as the support of the family.