Being a parent is one of the most important jobs you will have in your life. Making sure your children are informed about the risks that will confront them as they age is important. One of the most common problems a child will face is peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol.
The best way to keep them on a straight and narrow path is by talking with them about this problem. The goal of the team at Odyssey Center is to provide the drug counselors of tomorrow with the tools they need to help assist parents just like you when situations with drug use arise. Below are some of the things to think about when trying to have a meaningful drug talk with your child.
Make Sure They Understand the Risks Involved
The main thing you need to focus on when having this talk with your children is informing them about the risks involved in drug use. Showing them hard data and statistics is the best way to let them know just how serious this is. Informing them about the risks is a great way to make them think twice should they be approached about trying drugs. Be sure to dial back the fear mongering when talking about the dangers of drugs. Actually given facts is more effective than sensationalizing the effects of these substances.
Let Them Know What You Expect From Them
Often times, a child is more affected when they feel as if they have disappointed their parents with a mistake they have made. This is why laying out clear expectations to your child on how they should act and deal with peer pressure is important. Rehearse various scenarios with them to see just how they will react. Make sure you are supportive during these exercises, even when mistakes are made.
Creating an Open Dialogue
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to your kids and drugs is cutting off the lines of communication. You want your child to know you are there for them regardless of the mistakes they make. Letting them know they can talk to you about anything is a great way to keep them honest and open about the experiences they have with peer pressure.
Having “the drug talk” will not be easy, but it is essential in order to help your child deal with the pressure they face. The longer you wait to talk with your kids about drugs, the more of an uphill battle you will face later on.
