Adolescents in middle school (How to discuss drugs and alcohol)
Take advantage of opportunities and be honest
•If you are watching TV with your 8 year-old and marijuana is mentioned on a program, you can say, “Do you know what marijuana is? It’s a bad drug that can hurt your body.” If your child has more questions, answer them. If not, let it go. Short, simple comments said and repeated often enough will get the message across.
•You can offer your older child the same message, but add more drug-specific information. For example, you might explain to your 12-year-old what marijuana and crack look like, their street names and how they can affect his body.
•BE REAL and BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR PAST!
On Monday, I’ll provide tips on how to talk to your middle schooler about sex.
Commentary by ACS Executive Director, Dr. Philippe Rey