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Words are to be easy. Conversations are to be quick. You offer them every day, fill a home with the trade of humor and earnestness. It’s never a difficult thing to speak with your children — you instead adore it, are able to devote endless hours to them. Their attention is craved and your affection is infinite.
It still isn’t enough to combat the nervousness of drug discussions, though.
You never considered this before, assumed always that it would be unnecessary. But the world offers constant temptations, promises, demands. Children are drenched in false information. And you worry that they won’t always understand the difference between right and wrong (if only because the meanings are so often blurred). You must therefore offer an explanation. You’re simply terrified to try.
Don’t be.
Having a conversation about drugs is essential for all families. It doesn’t have to be the horror so many assume it to be, however. It can instead be a simplicity. You merely must understand the importance of providing logic.
Children do not respond well to vague threats and accusations. They can’t cope with your anger (or your panic). Tossing out worries for addiction will only offer confusion therefore. You won’t succeed in explaining the dangers; you’ll only baffle. It’s imperative then that you provide a structured argument instead, detailing all concerns in a rational tone.
Be calm. Be steady. Refuse the all too easy demands. Your children are willing to listen if you provide them with good sense — rather than shrieking loudly about how a behavior is wrong. Stress the worries of drugs and substance abuse; note the possible effects. Explain also that their peers may pressure them to try this and that you’ve raised them instead to be independent. Praise them for having the ability to refuse temptation and assure them that you will believe in them.
This doesn’t have to be an awkward conversation. It can instead be an effective one.
