The Partnership produced 26 print ads last year. One of them in particular seems to really be resonating with parents lately. It’s called How to talk to your kids about drugs if you did drugs. The fact that you’ve had experience may actually be an advantage.
The piece goes on to list 12 short, straightforward suggestions for parents on talking to kids about drugs. As a parent of two teenagers, the one that strikes me the most is number 10: “DON’T JUST TALK. LISTEN.”
Everyone knows I talk a lot. And like most parents, I try to impart my worldly experience and infinite wisdom to my offspring…which usually results in a lot of blabbing. But when I do stop, sit back and bite my tongue, amazing things happen. My girls actually open up. (Of course, this isn’t always the case — things like timing, mood, hunger-level, among other things, play a role.)
Turns out there’s quite a lot on their teenage minds, not excluding the topic of substance abuse. I find that when I give them the chance to vent, it’s often hard to get them to stop. But no matter what, it’s always enlightening.
For me this ad is an important reminder to not only talk to my kids about drugs, but to keep asking questions and really tune into the answers.
Take a look at the ad and tell us — which part speaks to you? We’re all ears.
P.S. If you’re just starting talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol with your child, visit Time To Talk and our Parent Toolkit for some helpful tips and advice.
If you think (or know) your child is drinking or using drugs, visit our brand-new site Time To Act. There are even specific tips for parents on how to listen.
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I couldn’t agree more! I, too, had the problem of talking - a lot - believing that my sharing MY experiences and wisdom would make them see the light. Once I stopped and just started listening or making a statement along the lines of, “I have something to share on that if you’d like to hear it,” our communication improved immensely.