Some Opportunities to Talk

There are many opportunities in your daily life that can be used to help you introduce the subject in a natural, unforced way.

Examples include:
• Taking a walk
• Discussing books or movies with your kids
• Doing regular chores together
• Eating dinner together as a family
• Watching TV shows, news reports, anti-drug commercials
• School discussions about drugs and alcohol
• Driving your child to practice

When you decide to use a moment to teach your child something about drugs, it doesn’t have to be a long, serious talk — just a few words can do the trick.

Listen carefully and help your child feel safe talking to you. Create an open environment.

Student surveys show that when parents listen to their children's feelings and concerns, they feel more comfortable talking with them and are more likely to stay drug and alcohol-free. This requires creating space for your child to do much of the talking. If you're not listening at least 75% of the time, then you're not having a conversation with you child.

4 ways to open communication:

1) Ask caring questions such as: How was band practice? How was that math test? Was the talent show fun?

2) Ask your child's opinion on an important matter.

3) Talk with them when your side by side (like in the car), and not face to face, can be helpful.

4) Watch for hints: A child who hangs around usually wants to talk.