Parents have more influence over their child than friends, music, TV, the Internet and celebrities.
Kids who learn a lot about the risks of drugs and alcohol from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use than those who do not.
Talking and listening regularly
Being directly involved in your child’s everyday world
Making it clear that you do not want him or her drinking or using drugs
Setting limits
How To Explain to Your Teen
Why You Don’t Want Him
Drinking or Using Drugs
Don’t want your teen drinking or using drugs? Tell him how you feel and what you expect from him. Be warm but firm. For example, you might say:
"I'm not trying to ruin your fun. I love you and I want you to stay healthy. The best way to do that is to stay completely away from drugs and alcohol. I need you to promise that you will."
"I realize there's a lot of temptation out there. I also know you're a really smart, strong person. That's why I expect you to stay clean — no matter what your friends are doing. Agreed?"
"There's a lot of new science about teens, drugs and alcohol. It scares me to know how easily you could damage your brain www.drugfree.org/teenbrain or get addicted. I want your word that you'll steer clear of all that, and keep me in the loop on the kids you hang out with, too."
Research shows that when parents talk openly about drugs and drinking, children have better self-control and develop more negative perceptions of these risky behaviors.
