by The American Counseling Association

Its never easy, but it is essential that parents talk to their children about drugs. Despite widespread anti-drug education programs, what influences children most is their peers. And with drug usage becoming common among even young children, its important for you to help your child to be prepared for potential drug encounters.
When is the right time to begin drug discussions with your children? Its long before theyve become teens. Experts say children as young as five have the ability to comprehend that certain things are bad for them. This is a time to explain to your child why some common substances (such as cigarettes, alcohol and certain household products) are called drugs. Be ready to explain why these substances are harmful.
When you start such discussions early, it becomes easier to add additional age-appropriate material as your child grows. With children as young as eight commonly having their first drug experience, usually inhaling common household products, you want to prepare your child early to be able to handle situations where drugs may be involved.
An important step parents can take is to help their child develop a plan of action for dealing with drug situations. If a friend asks them to try some substance, your child should already be practiced in saying no.
That sounds easy, but kids want to belong and fit in. If sniffing some household chemical is what the cool kids are doing, your child needs support to be able to refuse to join in. Encourage your child to discuss how he or she would feel and react in such situations. Try role playing typical situations so your child can get a real feel for what his or her reactions might be. Let your child know you understand how difficult such situations can be.
Be ready for questions about your own experiences with drugs. Open, honest communication is usually best, but be aware that adolescents might just as easily feel that if you did it, theres no reason they cant, too.
Your library or local health department has material on talking to kids about drugs. And if you suspect your child is being exposed to drug usage, or may be experimenting or using already, talk to your schools counselor for advice on what to do and where to turn for additional help.

The Counseling Corner is provided as a public service by the American Counseling Association, the nations largest organization of counseling professionals. Learn more about the counseling profession at the ACA web site, www.counseling.org.