Children look up to their parents to model their behavior, and parents’ influence on their teenage children is more than that of social media, friends, and teachers. Although topics, such as drugs, sex, and alcohol abuse, are sensitive, parents should always hold such discussions with their children, especially in their teen years.
Adult-use and medical marijuana legalization across the world has sparked a topic of discussion that is difficult to handle for parents. It is challenging for a parent to tell their kids not to use weed when it is accepted all over the world.
Scare tactics were the most used method of preventing kids from using drugs, but it was not as effective as they had hoped.
Scare Tactics
For several decades now, parents have been using scare tactics to keep their children away from drugs. However, the methods are expected to change over time; programs such as D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Program) didn’t succeed because they failed to consider human psychology.
People are curious beings, especially the young generation; therefore, when you tell them not to do something without conclusive evidence, the likelihood of them trying out the very thing you warned them off is very high.
Research shows that the likelihood of using marijuana among the children who were enrolled in the D.A.R.E program, and those who were not registered was very high.
These days’ children are educated using an evidence-based education approach. Parents should also openly discuss such topics with their children and make use of the following methods when teaching them about drugs.
Evidence-Based Methods
For a long time, parents have been relying on myths and non-educational modes to warn their children of marijuana, but in recent years more research has been done on weed, and this has given parents a point of reference when discussing marijuana.
It is important to teach kids about pot as soon as possible because marijuana consumption among the youth can leave lasting and irreversible damage to their developing brains. Furthermore, smoking weed is harmful to your health as it can lead to chronic cough or other respiratory ailments.
Listen Actively
Listen to your children without interrupting them when they are speaking; this helps lower their guard and make them open up more. Reflect on what your children are saying without judging them, and this will give them the impression that you understand them and what they are going through. Ask open-ended questions for them not to feel like they are being interrogated. Lastly, show compassion when you are talking to them as it will make them feel safe, comfortable, and they would be more willing to open up.
It is legal, so what?
If your kids use this phrase, applaud them for using critical thinking, but also try to show them that there is a variety of unhealthy and dangerous things that have been legal for a long time, such as alcohol, cigarettes, and some medication. List the dangers of consuming such products, such as cancer, addiction, DUIs, and liver cirrhosis. Also, point out the importance of personal responsibility when it comes to the consumption of these products.
Occasional Consumer
If your teenager tells you that he uses marijuana occasionally, applaud him for not only being honest but also avoiding being a regular consumer. Also, get to know why he/she decided to use occasionally as it could be a gateway to a more significant discussion.
Parents should teach their kids different ways of coping with pressure and stress by introducing them to music, books, sports, and arts. Also, try to get the conversation started in their early years and be patient with them.
Analysts believe that the work of parents in educating their kids about marijuana can be a little easier if adults make use of the consumer information provided by pot companies like ChineseInvestors.com Inc. (OTCQB: CIIX).
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