As parents, we often arent ready to think about substance use when our kids are young.
(Nationwide, the average is in the mid-teens.)
Our kids are ready to have these talks long before we are.
But those talks might not beaboutdrugs, at least at the start.
And those ideas are ones you’re free to begin talking about very young.
She adds: The more you talk, the easier it gets.
Ages 2-6
With very young children, youre laying foundations.
Some of the most important things to help them understand are not about drugs, specifically, at all.
Kids should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing problems, and you should listen instead of always lecturing.
Lahey suggests using the label on prescription bottles as reading practice.
Can you find Mommys name?
At these ages, we can also consider how we talk about substances.
Ages 7-10
Your conversations about health and safety can get more detailed as kids get older.
Lahey suggests proposing hypothetical situations for kids to puzzle over.
These conversations dont have to be about substances, specifically.
(Seriously, watch it.Its hilarious.)
But that made me realize YouTube mentioned cocaine to my kids before I ever did.
Your kids may see some kind of anti-drug education at school during these ages.
Some of these programs are ineffective, even potentially increasing the chances kids will do drugs.
Find out what your childrens school uses, and read up onBlueprintsto learn whether its an evidence-based program.
Statistics show that kids who develop substance use disorder aremore likely than the general population to have started young.
It sets a clear expectation, and that sends a strong message.
Whatever you decide, communicate it clearly.
Continue helping your kids to develop their social skills and mental-health coping skills.
If your kid is going off to college, are emergency naloxone kits available?
