The Best 7 Ways to Talk to Your Kids About Drugs

Talking to your kids about any tough subject can be tricky, but especially one like drug use. Whether you have a specific issue you need to discuss with your kids — such as a family member using drugs — or you simply want to ensure that they’re as educated as possible about the world around them, talking to your kids about drugs is often a necessary evil in today’s world.

Whether you have older kids who may have tried drugs and need to have a realistic conversation about safety or you have younger kids who need to be educated for their own well-being, having the conversation is the best way to make sure your kids are well educated and prepared to go into the world. While it might sound ideal to shelter your children from any kind of danger or harm, the best way to protect your children for the long haul is to teach them about the world and how to navigate it. If that’s the route you plan to take, here are some of the most effective and productive ways to talk to your kids about drugs.

1. Be Gentle

Whether you’re talking to your older kids who might already know a bit about drugs or you’re conversing with little ones who aren’t in on the know quite yet, it can be a heavy subject for anyone, especially if your family has a personal connection to the subject matter. Make sure you’re being sensitive to their emotions as well as your own, as that’s the best way to have a productive dialogue.

2. Don’t Judge Others

Sometimes, people will judge those who struggle with addiction and drug use. Whether you have a history of being understanding and knowing that addiction is a mental health issue, not simply a crime, or you haven’t been as understanding as you might like to be, now is the time to stop the cycle of judgement. You don’t want to make your kids judgemental of people in their lives or your family. Teach your kids understanding and compassion. 

3. Use Age-Appropriate Language

This is a great tip to keep in mind when it comes to any tough conversation you might need to have with your kids, whether it’s about drugs or something else entirely. While it’s important not to scare or confuse younger children, patronizing your older kids can also have adverse effects. Talk to your kids separately if need be.

4. Be Understanding

If you happen to know someone or have someone in your family who has used drugs, or if you’re talking to your child after a drug experience that they were involved in, it can be highly important to be open minded and understanding. The National Survey of Drug Use and Health indicated that 55% of young adults between 18 and 25 used illicit drugs, so that stands to reason that your child or some of their friends might have experienced drug use of some kind. Make sure you don’t judge, and be understanding of their feelings and experiences.

5. Use Facts

While it might be tempting for some parents to use fear tactics to keep their kids on the straight and narrow, it’s not always productive to use fear or emotions to teach your child about important issues. Especially if there is specific information you need to cover in your conversation that can help keep them safe, go to the facts above all else.

6. Encourage Questions

Your children will likely have questions about whatever you’re addressing. Make sure you give them the chance to speak and ask questions as they need. Especially when you’re dealing with younger kids, they might have a lot of information they want to know. It’s up to you how you answer their questions, but giving them the space to air their curiosities can be healthy in any situation.

7. Keep the Conversation Going

Just like any big conversation, talking about drugs is often a bit daunting. There might be questions that come up later or curiosities that arise as your kids continue to live their lives in the world. Remember, this is an ongoing conversation that might last a while. You’re here to help educate them and set them up for success and safety in life, and this is a part of that education and care.

How to Talk to Your Kids About Drugs

Talking to kids about drugs can be a bit scary, especially when it feels like you’re holding their safety in your hands. Whether you have a teen who has tried drugs or you need to have a larger conversation about a family member or loved one who has, there comes a time when you need to talk to your kids about drugs. While every family is different, there are ways to make sure that you go about the conversation sensitively and safely.