How to Talk to Your Kids About Drugs: Starting Out

Summary

This video script offers practical advice for parents on how to approach conversations about substance use with their children. It emphasizes the importance of tone and communication style, suggesting that a more open and curious tone can foster better dialogue. By avoiding assumptions and asking open-ended questions like 'What are you getting out of this?' parents can encourage their children to share their experiences and thoughts. This approach helps create a foundation for trust and understanding, turning difficult conversations into opportunities for learning and connection.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tone of voice is crucial when initiating conversations with your child about substance use.
• 😀 A gentle and non-combative tone helps avoid making the conversation feel confrontational.
• 😀 Starting with kindness can lay a solid foundation for better communication with your child.
• 😀 Being aware of their substance use without constantly trying to catch them doing something wrong creates trust.
• 😀 You can set the tone for open conversations by showing that you're not there to judge, but to understand.
• 😀 Ask open-ended questions that invite dialogue instead of making assumptions or accusations.
• 😀 For example, ask 'What are you getting out of this?' instead of directly assuming something negative about their behavior.
• 😀 Framing questions in a curious and neutral way can lead to more honest and insightful answers.
• 😀 Showing genuine curiosity can help your child feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics.
• 😀 Through open dialogue, you can learn more about your child's experiences with substance use and gain valuable insights.
• 😀 Approaching the conversation with empathy allows both you and your child to understand each other better and foster mutual respect.

Q & A

Why can it be difficult to initiate a conversation about substance use with your child?

It can be difficult because discussing substance use often involves sensitive topics, and the parent may fear their child’s reaction or feel uncertain about how to approach the subject without being confrontational.

How can the tone of voice affect the conversation with a child regarding substance use?

A change in tone of voice can make the conversation feel less combative and more open. A lighter tone can show the child that the parent is not just trying to catch them being bad but is genuinely interested in understanding their situation.

What role does kindness play in improving communication with your child about substance use?

Kindness can help create a foundation of trust and openness, making the child feel more comfortable and less defensive, which can lead to better communication.

What is the importance of asking open-ended questions in conversations about substance use?

Open-ended questions allow the child to express themselves more fully, creating an opportunity for the parent to understand the child’s perspective and gather valuable information, rather than making assumptions.

Can you provide an example of a rephrased question that targets the same answer but encourages more openness?

An example would be rephrasing 'What are you getting out of this?' into 'Can you help me understand what you're finding beneficial about using marijuana?' This opens up the conversation in a less judgmental way.

What is the benefit of presenting questions in a different way when talking to your child about substance use?

Presenting questions in a different, non-confrontational way can encourage the child to open up more and participate in a meaningful dialogue rather than feeling attacked or misunderstood.

How can showing curiosity about your child's substance use help the conversation?

Approaching the topic with curiosity instead of assumptions can encourage the child to share more honestly and provide the parent with better insights into the reasons behind their behavior.

Why should parents avoid making assumptions when talking about substance use?

Making assumptions can close down the conversation, making the child feel misunderstood or defensive. It's important to approach the topic with an open mind and let the child express their own feelings and experiences.

What is the ultimate goal of having an open conversation with your child about substance use?

The ultimate goal is to create a space for honest dialogue where both the parent and child can learn from each other, with the parent gaining valuable insights into the child’s behavior and the child feeling heard and understood.

How can open dialogue about substance use benefit the parent-child relationship?

It can build trust, improve communication, and foster a deeper understanding of each other, which strengthens the relationship and helps address the root causes of substance use.