Best approach to ‘the talk’ on drugs: Directness

To help messages be clearly understood, many parents have educated themselves in kid language. We know when Sam talks about Curly he is referring to his friend Jake. When kids write BRB GTG, we get it, and can even write CUL8R back. But did you know when kids talk about Charlie it could be code for cocaine, that Billy could mean speed, or Adam may refer to Methamphetamine?

Throughout the month of March, parents are encouraged by The Partnership for a Drug-Free Iowa to take five minutes to talk with their kids about drugs. This is precisely the length of time we can talk before kids tune us out. So what should we cover in such a short time?

Sometimes younger children are easily confused, so lay the ground work regarding the difference between healthy and unhealthy habits. Showering and brushing teeth, for example, are not toxic to the body. Taking drugs your body does not need can be toxic. Help them learn to nurture their own health.

When talking to tweens, be more direct. It is appropriate to explain what individual drugs look like, what effect they have on the body and their street names. Talk about the dangers of drugs and the power of addiction. Make it clear that drugs and underage drinking will not be allowed in your home.

Teens will likely know someone who has abused alcohol or tried drugs. Ask your teen directly about his position on drug use. Reiterate your expectation that he not use drugs, and offer to take the blame if he needs an excuse for turning them down. Use real life examples of how drugs or alcohol can affect your child’s future, such as car accidents, impact on school work or unintended pregnancies. Talk about the concept of guilty by association, explaining how being present at a gathering where substances are used can put him in jeopardy. Create a contract outlining no tolerance expectations and your child’s acceptance of them.

There is no specific profile that fits a drug or alcohol abuser. It can be the high school dropout or the valedictorian. Talk about drugs if you think your child might start using, or if you are certain he won’t.

Ann-Marie Berg is a Cedar Rapids mom and a pediatric nurse practitioner. Write to her at features@gazcomm.com