Helathy+4SummerFall2023spreadsfinal - Flipbook - Page 18
Connecting with kids
about substance use
Tips for conversations that matter
By Dare Chammings, Alliance for Community Transformations (ACT) Bennington and
Samantha Pearce, The Collaborative
T
alking to your children about substance use
might feel challenging—it’s often difficult
to know what to say, and how to encourage
young people to make healthy choices. The most
important thing is that children know they have a
safe, trusted adult to talk to.
Here are some tips for connecting and
communicating:
Normalize the conversation by talking openly
and frequently with your kids about drugs and
alcohol. Take time to learn about their perceptions
16 | HEALTHY+ | SUMMER–FALL 2023
of substance use, current trends, social norms, and
pop-culture references. Provide them with factual
information about illicit drugs as well as legal ones;
and how underage use affects brain development.
Acknowledge when kids make good choices and take
advantage of times that welcome dialogue: during a
hike, on a car ride, or over family dinner. It’s never
too early to talk about healthy
decision making. To learn how to best
approach the conversation by age group,
scan the QR code at right.