We all know drugs are bad, even though a lot of adults are guilty of using them. But that doesn’t mean our kids shouldn’t get an early lesson about the downsides of substance abuse. When we say or think about drugs, our mind immediately goes to the hardcore narcotics they talk about in PSAs, like cocaine, marijuana, heroin, etc. But alcohol, cigarettes and other mind-altering substances can be considered drugs as well. While many adults do partake in these substances recreationally from time to time, exposing children to alcohol and narcotics can delay their growth and cause behavioural issues. It can also doom them to a life of addiction and despair. When you think it’s time for your kids to know a little more about the big, bad world they live in, here are some tips on talking to your kids about drugs.
Look for Teachable Moments
Take advantage of movies, tv shows and commercials to warn your kids about drugs. Many of them will usually portray the negative side effects of substance abuse in a clear way. The tremors, the addiction, the physical deterioration. These symptoms are featured abundantly in programs about narcotics. But just to take it up a notch, you can always use the opportunity to start a conversation. Even if your kids are young, they may have already learned a few things about drugs. From school, from their friends, and yes, even from social media. It’s a good thing too to mention the difference between pharmaceutical drugs and recreational drugs. Methamphetamine for instance is used as both a medication for ADHD, as well as to get high. The only difference is the dose. So just like everything else, drugs have their uses and their downsides.
Talk About Peer Pressure
Not many parents may talk about this with their kids. But following the crowd, fear of missing out, being cool, etc. is not something you should let your kids fall for. It can be tough to fit in if your child is naturally introverted or shy. And the ‘bad seeds’ at their school will take advantage of this to try and push drugs onto them. Kids with strained or problematic parental relationships are also more at risk for substance abuse. Which is why it’s so important for you to maintain a positive emotional bond with your child especially during their tumultuous teen years. Be the anchor they need so they don’t drift off to find other sources of belonging and purpose. Because if you don’t, your kids may just end up befriending their delinquent peers and become embroiled in illegal activities that they may not be prepared to handle.
Monitor What They Watch
Drugs and alcohol are often a common theme in American entertainment. Narcotics are featured heavily in popular teen Netflix serials like Euphoria. There are also songs, those mainly produced by rappers that glamourise intoxication and substance abuse. While you can’t (and probably shouldn’t) be too authoritarian about the kind of entertainment your children consume, you should at least try to know what they’re into. If you think it’s a bit problematic, try to communicate your thoughts in a constructive manner. That said, if you’re a strict parent, it’s good to loosen the reigns a bit. Children who grow up with strict or punitive parents tend to keep a lot of secrets. And you want your kids to trust you if they’re going through a drug or substance problem.
Make Your Stance Clear
Enforce the rules you set in your home about drugs and other intoxicating substances. Going back on what you teach your kids means that you don’t respect your own principles. So, when banning drugs from your home, practice what you preach. Which means even when hosting social activities or get-togethers with other adults, guests are not allowed to consume alcohol and cigarettes in your home. While your kids may not necessarily be present during these gatherings, narcotics do tend to leave a lingering residue in the environment. And small children will often ask questions when they detect new sensations in their surroundings.
Don’t Lecture
There’s nothing worse than a nagging parent. And if you’re dealing with a pre-teen or teen, it may trigger their rebelliousness. If you want to talk about drugs, don’t use accusatory or antagonistic tones. A good rule of thumb is to recall your own memories of your parents possibly nagging at you. Remember how you hated being yelled at for seemingly nothing? So don’t wrongly emulate your parents and do the same thing to your kids. You may just end up pushing your kid to actually pursue substances just to spite you. The teen years are such a risky time for parents and their kids. So don’t let a positive lesson turn into an argument.
Say No to Drugs!
Drugs were originally invented as medicine, to help alleviate pain and assist in healing. It wasn’t until humans misused it that it became a problem for everyone, including children. As fierce as the country’s “War on Drug” is, people are still consuming inordinate amounts of alcohol and cigarettes. Which are the most easily accessibly forms of narcotics. But when you really think about it, we consume drugs every day. From the coffee we drink to the painkillers we swallow when we have a headache.
Hence, it can be a little hypocritical to warn your kids about drugs when it’s part of our everyday life. But that’s not the drugs they should be worried about. For example, your kids should know the difference between Panadol and crystal meth. So as a parent, it’s your job to make the distinction, to inform them about which drugs are okay and which ones aren’t. Only once your kids are properly educated can you send them off into the big, bad world with one less thing to worry about.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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