Parenting In Focus: When, how to talk with your child about drugs

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Drugs and alcohol are major issues that parents need to be aware of and learn about. Studies show there is a significant amount of young people who use marijuana, stimulants and inhalants and it begins rather early. This is a problem you can’t afford to ignore.

If you notice changes — in your child’s behavior, friends, eating and sleeping habits, sudden problems at school, valuable household items missing, or signs of ill health such as nausea, bloodshot eyes, headaches, a runny nose or slurred speech — it’s time to act.

Drugs can begin to become a problem as early as elementary school. You need to know what to look for and what to do. Talk with your child, look at your personal expectations for your child, read about drug issues, and check into school or private counseling if you need to.

A growing amount of time and attention is given to drug use by young people. That’s good. If you are worried, learn about drug usage. Remember, however, that your child is far more likely to drink alcohol than to use drugs. You need to learn about and talk about both of them.

This is not a formal sit-down conversation, nor is it a one-time-only discussion. These talks must be an ongoing dialogue.

It is never too early or too late to begin talking with him about drugs and alcohol. Certainly, by the time your child is in fourth or fifth grade, this should be part of your regular talks. All your regular talks need to include parents who regularly listen to what their child has to say.

You also need to be aware of where your child spends his or her time. Is there adult supervision when your child is at a friend’s home? Does your child come home when you expect? Does your child have access to money to buy drugs? Is your child happy? Does your child share things that are happening in his or her life?

Fortunately, we know that most kids this age are not into alcohol or drugs. You want to keep it that way. Your role is an important factor in helping keep your child way from of these illegal substances.

We know that by just talking together about it, the chances of your child getting involved in drinking and even drugs go down.

Try the quiz below and see if you can decrease the chances of your child getting involved with either drugs or alcohol.

Quiz for parents

Want to lessen the chances of your child being involved in alcohol and drugs?

Want to increase the chances of your child doing well in school?

Answer: Do these three things …

1. Have dinner together regularly.

2. Talk together regularly.

3. Listen regularly.

That’s easy!

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which published newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents.