Talking to Your Children About Drugs:
You Don't Have To Be An Expert

You’ve watched the horrifying stories in the news, seen the commercials, and maybe even had personal encounters with the ugly world of illicit drugs. So how can you protect your own children from the web of drug addiction, crime, and violence? How can you educate them so they make healthy decisions?

It starts with communication. Parenting is prevention. Talk with your kids about drugs, and make sure you do it early and often enough. Read on to get some more tips about how you can do this. You don’t have to be an expert. You just need to have a genuine love and concern for the welfare and future of your children.

Why do kids and teens do drugs?

Kids and teens do drugs for many reasons. Peer pressure; the desire to fit in; family problems; emotional, physical, or sexual abuse; low self-esteem; curiosity; a lack of parental supervision; or a lack of positive influences can lead children down the road to drugs.

So how can you talk to your kids about drugs?

Ask questions. Yes, those commercials are right! It’s important to take a casual, laid back approach so your kids feel they can open up and be honest with you about drugs. You might start a discussion by asking the following questions:

• What do you learn about drugs in school?
• Are there drugs at your school?
• What do you know about them?
• Do you know anyone who does them?
• Do you know anyone who drinks and drives?
• Do you know of any parties where alcohol is being served?

It’s important to teach your children the difference between facts and fiction when it comes to drugs and alcohol.

Tie your drug prevention messages and facts to everyday activities. For example, if you’re in a restaurant and someone is smoking or drinking, discuss the dangers of tobacco and alcohol and how addictive they are for kids and teens. If you’re painting your house or painting your nails, talk with your kids about the dangers associated with inhaling nail polish remover, paint, glue, or any other household product. Let them know it’s important to have a steady source of fresh air when using products with chemicals.

Listen to your children’s feelings and concerns. Encourage your kids to share their opinions about situations relating to drugs that they may have seen in the news, at school, or in the barrio. Kids who feel comfortable talking with their parents about drugs are more likely to turn to their parents for help. Help your kids feel it’s safe to talk with you.

Practice what you preach. Avoid sending mixed messages to your kids. If you’re asking them to not smoke, consider quitting. Let them know how unhealthy smoking is. It’s also very important to discuss the consequences and risks of underage drinking. Explain that it’s illegal for kids and teens to drink before the legal drinking age of 21. Tell them to avoid compromising situations where they may be offered alcohol. Develop healthy habits that they can imitate.

Establish a clear family position on drugs. Let your children know that drug use and drinking alcohol are not allowed. Period! Be firm about your position and explain to them why illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are not acceptable. “We love you very much, and drugs can harm your body and ruin your future… they are not allowed.”

Get to know your children’s friends. Sometimes, your best efforts can be offset by a bad seed in your children’s circle of friends. Take the time to meet and get to know their friends. Encourage your kids to invite their friends over for an asado, popcorn and movies, or for an empanada.

Get involved in their school. Volunteer and attend regular school functions like soccer games, choir recitals, plays, and PTA meetings. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved in your child’s education.

Know your barrio. Familiarize yourself with the drug-heavy areas in your neighborhood. You might want to check with your local law enforcement agencies to get this information. Different communities have different drug trends that might alert you to the types of substances you should be aware of and discuss with your kids.

Educate yourself. If you’re not sure about drug facts, don’t worry. Here are some resources that will provide you with accurate and reliable information about substance abuse, illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Tips on how to talk with your kids about drugs also are included.

www.hablemos.samhsa.gov - Bilingual resources about different substances of abuse.
http://ncadi.samhsa.gov - National Clearinghouse for Drug and Alcohol Information
http://www.nida.nih.gov - National Institute on Drug Abuse