Having age-appropriate conversation with children about alcohol and drugs is necessary. Such conversation will help them to be aware of the ill effects of alcohol and drugs. It will also help them to learn that is always right to say “no” to alcohol and drugs whenever they are exposed to them. Read more about it.Presently, children are exposed to alcohol and drugs at a much younger age. It is not easy as a parent to talk to his or her children about these topics, but this is a responsibility now to discuss it with them to save them from the danger. Research has shown if you talk about alcohol and drugs to your children, then they will be less likely to use them.
Start talking with your child as early as during the preschools. It is a not a one-time conversion; this shall be continuous. Keep discussing with your child from childhood till adulthood for his or her safety.
What to Talk with Your Child When He or She Is in Preschool?
By preschool, your child is not exposed to drugs or alcohol. Inculcate the good habits in him or her from now.
Talk to your child about the good feeling after eating a good meal, taking good rest, and taking care of body.
Make fun activities related to brushing teeth, caring for pets, wiping up spills, etc. and break down the chores into manageable steps so that your child learns to make plans and solve problems.
Allow your child to decide what to wear and what to eat, and simultaneously modify his or her decision if needed with explanation.
Introduce your child to poisonous things at home, like bleach, kitchen cleansers, insect repellent sprays, etc. Read out loud the warning labels the products have and teach them that harmful things do not always come with warnings.
What to Discuss with a 5-Year Old?
At the age of 5, your child has strong bond with you and looks for your approval for anything he or she does.
Ask your child to share concerns about the TV shows, movies, music videos, etc. that show the use of drugs or alcohol such easily.
Talk to your child if he or she is having any problem in school, with a friend, bullying, etc. and find long-term solutions for them.
Help your child build problem-solving skills.
Introduce yourself to your child’s friends and their parents and have a check on the families.
What to Talk with Your Preteen Child?
At the age of 8, your child becomes more influenced by his or her friends and also media.
Teach your child how to say “no” to drugs and alcohol.
Puberty brings the feeling of insecurity, doubtful, etc., when you have to play the role of building your child’s self-esteem.
Know what your child knows about alcohol and drugs and make clear discussions with him or her about these.
Kids love to learn facts at this age, so provide them with all you have researched or know about drugs and alcohol.
What to Talk with Your Child When He or She Is a Teenager?
At 13 years of age, your teenager may have friends who take drugs and alcohol, and have the feeling of independence and can question your authority.
Make your child aware about drug and alcohol abuse and consequences if they are caught in breaking the legal rules.
Your child at this age will not be concerned with future results, so always keep your conversations and examples in present.
Teach your child to be powerful in deciding something that can go against his or her peers.
Involve your child in sport clubs and hobbies to reduce boredom and feel positive about his or her activities.
Make sure your child knows about drugs and alcohol right from the start as knowing the facts will help him or her make the right choices. But at the same time, do not ever forget to be a role model. Your behavior needs to reflect your beliefs - so do not grab a beer after a hectic day, do not offer alcohol to your guests, and do not pop on pills without prescription. Always remember, actions are more effective than words.How to talk to children about alcohol and drugs? At what age should parents educate children about the dangers of alcohols and drugs? Is it necessary to talk to young children about alcohol and drugs? Discuss here.
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