Skills For Parents

Below are some skills that can help you talk to your kids about drugs. The ideas are simple, but it takes time, energy and practice to make them part of your daily life. Review the ideas and decide how to make the most of them in your home with your family.

• Remember how it felt to be young and keep the experience fresh in your memory.
• Determine how you feel about your family right now, and what changes you would like to bring about.
• Learn enough about drugs and their effects to satisfy your own needs and to discuss them credibly with your children.
• Encourage them to talk about what they think and feel.
• Set aside ten minutes every day to focus on your children.
• Actively listen to them and respond by telling them what you have heard them say and feel.
• Tell your children your reasons for making decisions that affect them.
• Express yourself in I-messages: Tell them how you feel about an action or event, rather than criticizing them directly for causing it.
• Be honest in your communication with your children. Treat one another with respect.
• Be clear in what you say. Don't compete with distractions. Deal with the present.
• Be accepting. Be consistent. Keep your sense of humour.
• Try not to make assumptions or accusations. Don't be sarcastic with children.
• Encourage your children to not feel guilty.
• Try not to blame yourself for your children's actions.
• Try not to be intimidated by the subject of drugs. Don't be put off by your children's reluctance to talk about drugs.
• Recognize that you can make a difference.

Many of the suggestions presented may be ideas you have thought of or experienced at one time or another. They can make a difference! These skills, together with your instincts, can help you to communicate with your children with more confidence and satisfaction. As children, we all needed someone to talk to, people to trust, and rules to live by. Our children's needs may be even greater than other generations - the family is the best source to fulfill these needs and to keep our children healthy.

For additional information, please contact one of the following Addictions Services Offices.