Talking to your children
One of the best things you can do if you’re concerned about your child using alcohol or other drugs, is talk to them about it.
Taking the time to talk to your children about alcohol and drugs, and being interested in what they are doing, and who they are with, is one of the best ways to stay abreast of any emerging problems with substance use.
Sometimes she tells me things I’d rather not hear but at least we’re communicating.
Mike
Have you talked to your child about alcohol and drugs?
‘It was easier to stay angry and shut down
than to sit down and talk about it.’ Bob
It’s important to be prepared before talking to your children.
Puberty is a challenging time for both children and parents. As Children enter puberty, they often struggle with an emerging sense of self, and their behaviour can seem erratic, withdrawn, and secretive. You might find yourself wondering where your previously well behaved child has disappeared to, and who this stranger is replacing them. So does uncharacteristic behaviour mean your children are experimenting with drugs? The best way to find out is to talk to them.
Am I fearful for my child? It’s really stressful worrying about your child using alcohol or other drugs. If you’re scared about your child’s welfare, your fears could make you come across as being judgmental and angry.
Remember, chat with, rather than interrogate your child: Rather than grilling your child when discussing alcohol or other drug use, try adopting a more casual approach, be interested, curious, and patient.