Why You Must Talk To Your Kids About Sex, Drugs & Alcohol

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Sex, drugs and alcohol are not easy subjects to explain to your teens and many parents avoid the conversations and awkwardness altogether. However, you’ll want to talk about these topics with your children before there is a problem. As a family, you can establish boundaries and consequences and come to a common understanding of what is acceptable.

Statistics show that teens who did not feel comfortable talking to their parents about sex engaged in high-risk sexual behavior by age 17-19. Those with a close parental relationship were more likely to abstain or use condoms.

Talking to your kids about sex is not giving them permission to do it; rather, it is preparing them to be responsible when that day comes. Teens will have sex whether they have our permission or not. Preparing our teens to make mature and responsible decisions can only help keep them safer.

Many professionals agree that when parents talk openly about the risks of drugs and alcohol, those conversations help form their child’s attitude toward drugs and alcohol. Again, talking about the risks is not giving permission; it’s part of keeping them safe.

Educate yourself before trying to educate your kids. You will need more than “Drugs and alcohol are dangerous.” Be prepared with facts or stories that realistically show the real dangers of substance abuse. Try not to lecture and don’t forget to listen to what your child is saying.

As always, keep it casual. If you spend time with your teenagers and keep the lines of communication open, bringing up the subject is much easier.

Signs of Drug & Alcohol Use:
• Loss of interest in family and other usual activities.
• Not living up to responsibilities.
• Verbally or physical abusiveness.
• Coming home late.
• Increased dishonesty.
• Declining grades.
• Severe mood swings.
• Big change in sleeping patterns

Please understand that many of these signs or symptoms can mean multiple things. Don’t accuse your child if you suspect a problem. Instead, try to connect with them and hear about what is happening in their lives.

About the Author: Aurelia Williams is a Certified Life Coach, author of the Journey to Joy ebook, and host of the Parenting My Teen podcast.

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