Talk Openly and Age-Appropriately About the Risks of Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs.
So you want to talk about the Big Scary Stuff—smoking, alcohol, and all the things you hope your kid never touches, but you also don’t want to sound like a malfunctioning D.A.R.E. robot. Welcome to the 'How Do I Say This Without Making It Weirder?' Olympics! If you’ve ever rehearsed a speech in the shower and then totally blanked when your kid asked, 'What’s a vape?'—this one’s for you.
Kids who hear honest, age-appropriate info from you are less likely to get their facts from the kid who thinks Mountain Dew is a performance-enhancing drug. These talks build trust, boost their decision-making brain circuits, and help them develop that all-important 'pause and think' reflex before following the crowd. For you, it’s a chance to flex your 'I’m a safe person to talk to' muscles—which, let’s face it, is the real superpower here.
How to do it
Choose a relaxed time to start the conversation, such as while driving or folding laundry. This helps keep things casual and prevents it from feeling like an interrogation.
Begin by asking what they already know. Be prepared for any kind of answer.
When responding, keep your explanations simple and honest. Avoid sharing scary details unless you want to risk late-night worries.
If you don’t know the answer to something, admit it. Suggest looking up the information together.
Let them know they can always come to you with questions, no matter how strange or awkward those questions might seem.
Repeat these steps as needed. Remember, these conversations are ongoing—think of it as a marathon, not a sprint.
Tips:
- Stay calm and approachable.
- Listen without judgment.
- Use age-appropriate language.
- Reassure them that curiosity is normal.
- Keep the lines of communication open.
