Opening Lines of Communication

Setting the Rules:

In a recent study, teens gave parents a “C-” in preventing kids from using drugs. These kids often say that their parents don’t talk to them about drugs — even though their parents report that they do. Don’t leave your kids guessing. Tell them very clearly that you don’t want them using substances — no tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy or inhalants. Setting a firm rule of no drug use will help your child navigate peer and other pressure to use drugs. Here are some examples of rules that parenting experts recommend:

• “If you’re at a party and you see that drugs or alcohol are being used, the rule is to leave that party. Call me and I’ll come and get you.”
  
• “I’ve been thinking lately that I’ve never actually told you this: I don’t want you using alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs.”
  
• “I love you and I want the best for you, so I don’t want you using marijuana or any other drug.”
  
• “The rule in our house is that nobody uses drugs.”
  
• “You know, drugs are not games. I don’t want you doing them, not now, not ever.”

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