Talking To Teens About Drugs

Most parents would agree that children should not do drugs. But when it comes to talking to their teens about the dangers of drug use, many neglect to broach the subject. "A don't ask, don't tell" policy is often put into place, either intentionally or from not knowing how to approach teens in a straightforward and effective manner about this contentious issue.

Experts in drug abuse claim that parents are the principal influence on their teenager's attitudes towards drug use. Educating teens about drugs and the problems that accompany drug abuse will help them to develop a healthy stance on drugs and will provide them  the knowledge they need to make good decisions in the future.

Do you want to talk to your teens about drug use but are unsure how to start? We have compiled a list of tips from a number of experts that will get you headed in the right direction.

• Educate yourself - Find out about the issues. Check such places as  local schools, agencies and information services for the resources you will need. Find books at the local library. The more informed you are, the easier it will be to discuss the issues.
  
   
• Be accessible and open-minded - The idea is to open a dialogue. Listen to what your teens have to say. Ask questions and do not judge.
  
   
• Be clear - Your main message should be clearly stated - "don't use drugs" should be the core theme of your discussions.
  
   
• Keep it relaxed - Avoid the "We have to talk" approach. Relax and talk about it over supper or when you're driving to the mall. If you are casual, it will help your children to be more honest and willing to talk.
  
   
• Grab opportunities - Use teachable moments. If you have just seen a TV show or poster that discusses the issue, use this to allow the discussion to come up naturally.
  
   
• Don't panic - You may hear some things that you don't like. Keep the dialogue open. Try to avoid lecturing while giving your opinion and explain the reasons behind your thinking. The goal of discussing drugs with your teen is to give them a foundation for making wise decisions about drugs on their own.
  
   
• Discuss peer pressure - Talk about ways to say no and how to off set the pressures to conform and fit in.
  
   
• Practice what you preach - Kids imitate adults. If you abuse drugs yourself, no matter what you tell your teens, your actions speak louder than words. Avoid being a hypocrite and perhaps it is time that you examine your own problem first.
   

The key points that you want to remember are to keep the dialogue open, continuous and honest. Ensure that your teens know that you are accessible and willing to talk about anything. The topics that are often the most uncomfortable to discuss are often the ones that should be discussed. The initial awkwardness will soon subside and you can feel secure that you have prepared your teen for making good decisions in the future.

Obesity and Children: Helping Your Child Keep a Healthy Weight

Printer-friendly version Email this article Spanish / Español How do I know if my child is overweight? Your doctor will use a chart to find out if your child might be overweight. If your child is heavier than 85% of other children who are the same age and height, he or she is probably considered to be overweight. Return to top What can I do to keep my child from being overweight? Weight problems can be very hard to fix, so it's important to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help you keep your child at a healthy weight: Don't make your child eat when he or she isn't hungry--it's OK if not every drink or every meal gets finished. Don't use food to comfort or to reward. Don't offer dessert as a reward for finishing a meal. Doing this teaches your child to value sweets more than other foods. Offer your child a healthy diet. No more than 30% of all the calories your child eats should be fat calories. Ask your doctor or a dietitian to teach you about the right kinds of food to feed your child. Your child needs to get lots of fiber from fruits, vegetables and grains. Don't eat at fast-food restaurants more than once a week. Limit how much TV your child watches. Try to get your child to do something active instead, like riding a bicycle or playing ball. Spend time being active with your child--go on family walks and play outdoor games together whenever you can. Teach your child good eating and exercise habits now to help him or her have a healthy life. Return to top How can I give my child better eating habits? Most of what your child eats depends on what you bring home from the grocery store. Try not to buy foods that are pre-packaged, sugary or high in fat. Instead, buy foods that are low in fat and high in fiber. After your child is 2 years old, skim milk can safely replace whole milk. Make sure all meals and snacks are eaten at the table, and not in front of the TV. Get the whole family to start eating a healthier diet, so your child won't feel alone. Return to top How can I help my child get more physical activity? One of the best things you can do for your child is to limit TV time. Instead, suggest playing tag, having foot races, skating and playing other active games. Encourage your child to join school and community sports teams. Take the whole family on walks and bike rides and to ball games

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