Parents, Here's Tips On Talking To Your Teen About Drug Use from Skokie's 'Response Center'

Response, Empowering Teens To Make Health Life Choices

Two Locations:

Skokie

9304 Skokie Blvd.

Skokie, IL 60077

Prairie View

16595 Easton Ave.

Prairie View, IL 60090

Phone: 847.676.0078

Fax: 847.676.0574

  Lots of topics are difficult to talk with our teens about, including alcohol and drugs. But, since the potential  consequences of drinking and using substances are far too dangerous to ignore, as parents, we have to stumble through in the best possible way! Your kids will thank you for it later!

 * Communicate your own values and beliefs about drugs and alcohol which will help establish guidelines and limits for your children upon which to base healthy decisions.

* Make talks like this ongoing, not one “big talk.” Use naturally occurring opportunities such as TV shows, movies, news stories, and neighborhood incidents to introduce your opinions, beliefs and raise questions. It’s never too late to begin a dialogue.

 * Get the facts. "Just say no” doesn’t work as a mantra. Taking drugs or using alcohol has nothing to do with being a “good kid” versus a “bad kid.” Rather, experimenting with all things “forbidden” simply has an allure that many youth have difficulty ignoring.

 * Though you may not be able to prevent your teen from drinking or taking drugs, this doesn’t mean you must accept it. * From our morning coffee to our after dinner cigarette to our “little something to sleep,” the real life messages we are sending our children come through loud and clear. Be honest in examining your own modeling and set examples that truly reflect your beliefs and values.

* Scare tactics don’t work. Instead of fear, try facts. Know the names of all popular drugs and their effects on young bodies and minds.

 * Be clear and concise about your messages to teens: Insist that they never get into a car with someone who has been drinking or using substances.

 * Praise youth for not trying drugs or alcohol; for resisting the temptation. “I’ll bet that if you wanted to, you probably could have tried some drugs or alcohol by now. I’m so proud of you for making the right choice and I know it isn’t easy. But you proved that you’re able to say no and walk away.”

* If your kids ask you about your own drug or alcohol history, most experts in the field suggest being honest, though there are some exceptions. Your objective is to keep your children from experimenting. Knowing your child well may determine your own response. If you believe you have a good relationship and they can handle the truth, then you can choose to be honest, letting them know that you regret those decisions and that it was risky, stupid behavior.

 How not to address the issue. Don't say:

* " I know you might want to try drugs or drinking some day, but be careful.” Parents matter! What we think and how we feel matters to our kids. Don’t give the impression that you feel experimentation is inevitable; it’s not!Be firm that it is wrong and risky.

 * "You shouldn’t hang around those kids if you know they’re using drugs or alcohol.” If you’re aware that there are peers using, your child must NOT be able to see them. “You shouldn’t…” is very different than saying “You can’t…” or “I won’t allow…”

* " If you ever drink, I’d like you to do it at home, not outside. That way I at least know where you are.” This is a clear statement that drinking is acceptable -- not a message that a preteen or a teenager should ever hear.

 * Tell kids that drugs and alcohol increase the likelihood of dangerous behaviors and accidents. * Tell them that drugs and alcohol can kill them and others. Tell them they can’t trust the quality of drugs or know how they might react to them.

Remember: Tell your children they are precious and that you love them.