Talk with Your Kids

 

Quick Quote:
Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.
-Charles R. Swindoll

 

Communicating with your children about serious topics such as drugs is almost always difficult, but when you have well established communication lines it can become easier. Establishing strong communication lines usually starts by talking with your child about everyday activities, being available to talk, listening actively, respecting their point of view and not passing judgment. The following list provides suggestions for effective parent - child communication.

1. Talk “with” your child as opposed to talking “at” your child – lecturing is not as successful. Be clear and calm.
2. Give honest answers – respect their intelligence and don’t patronize.
3. Respect your child’s opinions and points of view, even if they differ from your own.
4. Make time for important conversations – let your child know how important they are and show them by giving them your undivided attention when something big needs to be worked through.
5. Work together to make decisions and solve problems. Encourage your child to consider alternatives and select the most appropriate solution.
6. Have ongoing communication and do things together regularly. Give your child the opportunity to teach you something new.
7. Know your facts when talking about an important topic like drugs - be clear, consistent and age appropriate. Don’t wait until something happens, arm your child with the information they will need to make good decisions when they find themselves in situations where a choice has to be made.
8. Ask open ended questions that will help you understand what your child thinks and feels.
9. Do not minimize your child’s questions or concerns.
10. Admit when you need to get more information or need to seek outside help.

Source: Making Choices, Taking Risks - The Adolescent Experience; Let’s Talk Drugs - Talking to Your Children About Drugs, Action on Addiction; Make a Difference - Talk to Your Child About Alcohol, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services.