Do’s and don’ts while Talking to your Child about Drugs

As a parent, talking to your child about drugs can be hard. If you are uncertain about how to proceed, then you are not alone. Consider these four Do’s and Don’ts for talking to your child about drugs, and then conversing with them does help. Promoting the health outcomes associated with the use of drugs and zero tolerance is key.

4 Do’s and Don’ts while talking to your Child about Drugs

The DO’S

• DO explain to them about the risks of using drugs in the way they understand. Talk about how taking too many sedatives can lead to fatal issues.

• DO explain to them why you don’t want them to use drugs.
  For example, explain to them how drugs can mess up their memory, concentration, and motor skills that can lead to poor grades.
• DO be there for them when they want to talk, no matter what it demands. In the course of time, try to be non-judgemental about their view. Being so will encourage them to open up and talk about the issue.

• DO applaud your child when he/ she deserves it. It will build their self-esteem and hence makes them naturally feel good. Appreciate them for being open and honest about their problem.

The DON’Ts

• DON’T react. Even if he/she makes a statement that shocks you, do not rage in anger- instead, listen.
• DON’T expect all of the conversations with your child to be sound. They won’t be.
• DON’T assume your child knows how to handle a craving. In fact, you may want to explore role-playing – you mean role play or role model?? with your child to educate them about real-life perils and alternatives to their temptations so they can make healthy decisions. But assuming so is strictly a ‘NO’.
• DON’T get stuff up?? What do you mean? If your child asks you a question which you cannot respond, promise to find the solution so you can learn together. Later follow up.

What to do when your child is using Drugs?

Children are very susceptible and they might not understand the severe consequences of drugs at such a young age. It is hard to talk to your children about serious problems like drug abuse issues. However, if you want to keep your child well informed and save him/ her from drug-related problems at present and in the future, you will have to talk to them about it at some point in order to help them understand the perils of drugs- communication is the key.

One way of Talking to your Child about Drugs is to start discussing drug issues and bring up a subject from the media or a person the child knows. You should explain how that person started doing drugs and what were the difficulties and struggles that they had to face.

Encourage your child to talk more about their problems. This way, when you start a conversation topic they will be more willing to talk about whatever may concern them.

Also, talk to the parents of your child’s friends, and discuss making an event where your children can have fun and learn about the perils of drugs. This way, you can educate your children, be in touch with their friend’s parents in order help each other, and warn your child and his friends about drug abuse. The simplest way to talk with your child is to actually start talking about it. If your child tells you that he/ she did drugs, don’t be angry and worked up. It’s a sign that they trust you. So what should they do instead of being violent at them. Tell them about the risks they exposed themselves to, and ask them not to do it again. Make sure rules are clear and cannot be changed.

We know it’s hard to talk to your children, but it’s better to find the time and talk to them than to find out they actually have an addiction problem later in life.

Is your kid doing drugs? We are there to help

Even though there have been many initiatives taken to offset drug use among youngsters by providing mandatory classes on the dangers of drug use but still, the problem remains.

Ultimately, the thing that seems to curtail drug use is early intervention by parents who are not only there for their kids but who care enough to talk to them about the dangers behind drug abuse issues. There will eventually come a point in a child’s life when what their parents say to them won’t carry nearly as much weight. If we can even help just one child know not only the difference between right and wrong but also help them to have the confidence and strength of character to refuse drugs when offered, then we will truly be making headway. Until then, all we can do is continue to be shining examples of how mature adults should behave and hope for the best.

Learn what to do when you find out your child is using drugs. Feel free to make a call to us. Your Child deserves a drug-free life. Call us now- +91 96111 94949 or visit Cadabam’s Anunitha for more information about interventions and treatment solutions.