5 tips for how to talk to kids about drugs
Experts recommend that parents take a nuanced approach to discussing drugs with their kids, starting with open lines of communication and demystifying these conversations. Parents should start conversations early, revisit them often, and be age-appropriate in their discussions.
Parents face the challenge of talking to kids about drugs in a changing cultural landscape where some states have legalized marijuana. Experts say parents have a vital role to play in prevention and intervention. Devin McCauley, a post-doctoral scholar at Stanford University's REACH Lab, recommends a nuanced approach to discussing drugs, starting with fostering open lines of communication. Parents should start conversations early and revisit them often, making them age-appropriate. For preschoolers, this can mean discussing cold or toothache medicines, while for teenagers, it can involve being specific about substances they may encounter. Alison Long, health promotion manager at the City of Broomfield's Department of Public Health and Environment, emphasizes building a strong relationship with kids by spending one-on-one time and listening without judgment.
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