When we think about our children these days, the biggest fear that comes to mind is this drug epidemic. Isn't it? It's really scary to even think about it sometimes. So how do we save our children from this? The best and most effective way to do that is to talk openly and honestly with our children about it from a young age. Let's see how to do exactly that.
Why should we talk to our children about drugs?
Simply put, if we teach our children the truth about these drugs and their dangers before they face any dangerous situations, it will be a great help in saving them from a big danger. Then they will not just try drugs , nor will they listen to their friends and put wrong information into their heads. Think about it, you are the biggest role model for your child. You are his "hero". So the way you think about alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs, the way you look at them, directly affects the way your child thinks about them, and the way he reacts to them. Therefore, when you usually talk to your child about things like health, safety, and good habits, it is very important to make talking about these drugs an important part of it.
How do you talk to a young child about drugs?
Even if your child is still young, like 5 or 6 years old, there are plenty of opportunities to talk about this. We call them "teachable moments." Imagine, when you are watching TV together as a family, if you see a character in a cartoon or a movie smoking a cigarette, that is a good time to talk about smoking. Say something simple like, "Son, look at that uncle smoking a cigarette. Do you know how bad it is for your body? It makes you cough and makes your chest hurt." Then, you can take that story to other drugs, and explain how harmful they are and how toxic they are to your body.
The most important thing is that when you speak, you should speak calmly, very kindly, and lovingly . Use simple words that the child understands. Say things like, "These are not good for the body, son/daughter. When we take these, our body gets sick, we become weak, and we cannot play." Explain that drugs are a very dangerous thing, and they can cause many problems not only for the body, but also for our mind. From a young age, if someone tries to give them something dangerous or unfamiliar that they know, teach them to refuse by saying, 'I don't want it!' and walk away. That is very important. Think about it, if it is a toy, if a stranger gives it to you, it is the same as saying, "Oh, I don't want it, my mother/father said no."
Things to keep in mind when talking to a child between 8-12 years old
As children grow up, between the ages of 8 and 12, they may have heard something about drugs. From school, from friends, in class, or on TV, or on the Internet. So, when you start the conversation, ask, 'Son/daughter, what have you heard about drugs, about drugs, about marijuana? What do your friends say?' But when you ask , don't ask in a judgmental or suspicious way . Don't scare or intimidate them by asking questions like 'Why did you ask that?', 'Who told you that?'. Ask them very lightly, openly, as if they were their best friend. Only then will they be able to tell you the truth and share what's on their mind.
Let your child know that you are listening carefully to what he or she is saying. He or she needs to know that you care about his or her questions, fears, and curiosity. You may need to do some research and reading to answer his or her questions and provide factual information. That's okay, it's important. Children at this age (8-12 years old) usually want to talk openly about sensitive topics with their parents, and they need it. So, talking about this now will help keep the door open for him or her to share what's on his or her mind with you when he or she is a little older, that is, a young adult .
Imagine, if a newspaper or news report says that famous athletes have been caught using banned substances like `(Steroids),' then you can use that as a good opportunity to start a conversation. Through that, you can inform your child about the dangers of drugs and the bad consequences they can cause. You can say things like, 'Look, son/daughter, what happens when you take these things. You have to work hard and practice, not take shortcuts like this, right? It's not good for your body, and it will ruin your future.'
How to talk to your teenager about drugs
As your child becomes a teenager, that is, after the age of 13, there are more chances that his friends will use alcohol and drugs. Also, this is the time when his friends start driving. He likes to go to parties and go on trips. So, at this time, you need to talk to your child not only to understand his thoughts and feelings, but also to clearly talk about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs .
"Son/daughter, this is more dangerous than you think. Just think, if you or someone else were to drive a vehicle while intoxicated, what are the chances of losing a life, being seriously injured, or losing a limb? Not only that, but there are also big legal problems - going to jail, paying a large fine, and not being able to find a job ." Explain these things clearly, but not in anger, but in love.
You can perhaps make a written or verbal agreement with your child about the rules to follow when going out or using the car. For example, promise, "If the person you were responsible for taking you out (a friend, for example) is drinking or taking drugs at midnight, 12:00 or 2:00 or whatever, I will come and pick you up without any questions, just give me a call." This will give your child a great deal of trust and security in you.
At this age, they are likely to ask you more specific questions about drugs. Like, 'What happens when you smoke marijuana?', 'What is ice?' At that point, don't be shy, and clearly explain what you know and what you've found out. When you explain your expectations and your position in this way from the beginning, your child will feel safe to come to you and talk about anything, and to tell you if there is a problem.
What else can I do to protect my children from drugs?
Look, this drug problem can affect any family, any person at any level of society. Don't think, 'It won't happen to our family, it won't happen to my child.' That's dangerous. But, if you talk to your children regularly, if you are involved in their lives, if you are like a friend to them, you can help protect them from this danger. Here are some more tips for that:
H3: Support the child's interests
Encourage your child to participate in hobbies, sports, or clubs that interest them. These activities provide social interaction, leadership training, and build self-esteem . When a child feels good about themselves and feels valued, they are less likely to engage in harmful behaviors such as drugs.
H3: Be aware of your child's friends and hangouts
It is very important to know who your child's friends are, what they are like, where they hang out most, and what they do together. Because children who have friends who use drugs are more likely to try drugs themselves . This does not mean that you should suspect every friend. But it is good to be vigilant. If possible, bring your child's friends home, talk to them, and get to know their parents.
H3: Teach them to say 'no' and help them get home safely
If someone tries to give you drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol, teach your child clearly how to refuse. Practice saying, "No, I don't want it, I won't take it, my parents don't like it." Also, if he ever gets into trouble, gets stuck in a place he can't stay in, or needs to leave, tell him to call or text you. Give him the confidence that, "I'll come and get you, I won't ask any questions, don't be afraid."
Remember: If your child calls you for help, don't lecture, scold, or reprimand him. First, get him home safely. After he calms down, speak calmly and lovingly.
H3: Create a warm, open family environment
The more warm, open, and loving the home environment, the better. That is, your home should be a place where children can freely talk about their feelings, their problems, their victories, and their defeats. Appreciate their small successes and build their self-esteem . Then children will be willing to share their problems and burdens with you. In an environment where they criticize, blame, and criticize everything, children try to hide and lie.
H3: Make talking to your child part of your daily routine.
Make talking to your child a regular part of your day. Ask small questions like, "How was school?", "What was special today?", "What did you do with your friends?" Find time to do things you enjoy together as a family (eating, playing, reading a book). This strengthens the bond between everyone and helps maintain open communication. Sometimes children prefer to talk in a relaxed way while doing something else, such as while driving, walking together, or doing chores. Take advantage of those times.
H3: Be attentive to your child's difficult times.
If you notice that your child is going through a difficult time or if you notice a change in their behavior, pay attention to it. Perhaps they are stressed or sad because of an exam, a problem with a friend, a romantic relationship, or some other reason. Give them the support they need at that time, make them feel that they are not alone, and get additional help if necessary (e.g., a school counselor, a trusted adult, a doctor). When a child feels alone and feels that no one understands them, they are more likely to turn to something bad, such as drugs.
H3: Seek medical advice if necessary.
If you or your child needs more information or guidance about these drugs, and you don't have anyone to talk to, talk to your family doctor . They can point you in the right direction, give you advice, and maybe even introduce you to a good counselor. This is nothing to be ashamed of or afraid of. The most important thing is to think about the future of our children.
Finally, the most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so from what we've talked about, it should be clear to you how responsibly, understandingly, and lovingly we as parents need to work to save our children from this dangerous menace called drugs.
- Open communication is key . Build trust with your child by telling them anything and listening to them without judgment.
- Be the best role model . The way you think about drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes, and whether you use them or not, has a huge impact on your child.
- Speak in a way that is appropriate for the child's age . Not the way you would speak to a small child, but to a young child. Simply, in a way that they can understand.
- Listen carefully to what your child is saying . Allay their questions and fears, and let them know that someone is listening to them.
- Teach your child to say 'no' and give them the message that you are there to help if they get into trouble, and give them that confidence.
- Create a warm, loving, and supportive family environment . Then your children will share everything with you, and there will be less chance of them going astray.
- Don't be shy about seeking professional help if needed . Doctors and counselors are there to help us.
This is not something that can be done overnight. This is a long-term, ongoing process. But, with your effort, love, and dedication, you will definitely be able to save your child from this drug menace. Don't worry, you are not alone, let's all work together for this! May your child be safe!
` Drugs, children, parents, communication, drug abuse, safety, counseling
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