Navigating Tough Topics with Tweens & Teens

Talking about tough topics like drugs, alcohol, and sex with tweens and teens can be complex and often uncomfortable but these are necessary conversations parents must navigate with adolescents. This episode provides parents with strategies and insights to foster open dialogue.

?1. Know the Facts

While recent data shows a decline in adolescent substance use to below pre-pandemic levels, statistics also reveal concerning numbers regarding various substances. Awareness of these trends can help parents have informed conversations.?

Actionable Tips

• Stay informed: Regularly check reliable sources, such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse , to keep up with current statistics and trends in adolescent substance use and develop an understanding of how substances can affect adolescents and their developing brain.?

• Discuss findings: Use findings from studies to spark conversations with your teens. Ask open-ended questions about their thoughts on these trends and what they hear from friends.?

2. Approach Conversations with Curiosity

Powered with trusted facts, parents can approach conversations with curiosity rather than judgment, listen actively, and find opportune moments to discuss substance use.?

Actionable Tips

• Create a safe space: Encourage open dialogue where your teens feel comfortable asking questions. Remind them it’s okay to discuss their experiences or curiosities without judgment.??

• Listen actively: Make it a point to listen to your child’s concerns and experiences regarding peer pressure or substance use.?

• Stay curious: Ask them what they already know, what they see in their peer groups, and what they think about trends or products.?

3. Collaborating on Expectations and Strategies

Setting clear expectations and brainstorming strategies together for handling situations involving substances can empower teens to make better choices.?

Actionable Tips

• Develop an exit strategy: Work with teens to create a plan for parties or gatherings, including how to decline substances and when to call you for help.?

• Follow through: When you say they can call you no matter what, without judgment, and they do, withhold judgment and inquisition at the moment. Find a calm time after the situation to work through the experience together.??

Parenting Pro Tip: Tell teens they can “blame” you or make you the bad guy when refusing drugs or substances with friends.?

We want to hear from you! Add a comment or send us a DM to share your thoughts on talking with your teens about drugs and other tough topics.

As we navigate these tough conversations, remember staying informed and creating a supportive environment is key. By approaching these topics with openness and understanding, we can guide our children toward making healthier choices.

Parenting Pearl?"Information is power, and once you have it, you can make good decisions."?

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Content provided by Theresa Nguyen, MD, MS, FAAP and Krystina Wales .