IT’S NOT ONE 60-MINUTE CONVERSATION. IT’S 60 ONE-MINUTE CONVERSATIONS.
SHOW YOU DISAPPROVE OF UNDERAGE DRINKING AND OTHER DRUG MISUSE
Over 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision not to drink. Send a clear and strong message that you disapprove of underage drinking and misuse of drugs. To engage your child in conversations about drugs and alcohol, use events in the news or in your own life that are age appropriate.
SHOW YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S HAPPINESS, WELL-BEING, AND SUCCESS
Young people are more likely to listen when they know you’re on their side. Reinforce why you don’t want your child to drink or use drugs– because you want them to be happy and safe. The conversation will go a lot better if you’re open and you show concern.
BE A GOOD SOURCE OF INFORMATION ABOUT ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
You want your child to make informed decisions about alcohol and other drugs with reliable information about the dangers. Establish yourself as a trustworthy source of information so your child won’t learn about alcohol and drugs from unreliable sources.
PAY ATTENTION TO DISCOURAGE RISKY BEHAVIORS
Young people are more likely to drink or use other drugs if they think no one will notice. Pay attention to what your child is doing in subtle ways.
BUILD YOUR CHILD’S SKILLS AND STRATEGIES TO AVOID DRINKING AND DRUG MISUSE
Even if you think your child doesn’t want to drink or try other drugs, peer pressure is a powerful thing. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol or drugs. They make better choices when they have a plan, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they’ll say, “no thanks.”
