Opening Lines of Communication

Your Child Admits to Having Tried Drugs

This is another situation that could leave you upset, angry or at odds as to how to respond. Again, the idea is to reinforce the rules about drug use while keeping the lines of communication open. Love the child, but disapprove of the behavior.

“I’m glad you told me, but let me remind you that drugs get in the way of your being healthy and happy. Drugs are also illegal, so juvenile detention is a possibility. You can lose your driver’s license (or learner’s permit). You can lose your scholarship. You can get kicked off the team.”

“While I’m disappointed to hear that you tried drugs (or alcohol), I’m glad you told me and I don’t want you to stop telling me stuff. But I don’t want you to use drugs.”

“My job as a parent is to make sure that you have a wonderful childhood, but it’s more important that you become the wonderful, competent adult that I know you’ll be. I know you can’t do that if you use drugs.”

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