Today over on www.TWITTERMOMS.com I participated with a posted discussion question:
Would you ask your teen whether he's using drugs?
My answer:
Definitely! You have to continually - on a daily basis - keep your teen engaged. Don't just ask the hard questions, keep communication open by asking and staying informed about their lives in general – E.V.E.R.Y.D.A.Y. Yes, with hard questions, you might get the 'attitude'; but in the grand scheme of things - SO WHAT!
Keeping your teens away from drugs and smart about their choices – because they know they are accountable to you as a parent IS YOUR JOB.
Don't hesitate to talk to your teenager. I make it a point to let my son, Jas (14) know that he can tell me anything.... A.N.Y.T.H.I.N.G. and that I will refrain from - reacting with shock or over-reacting in general. I want him to know he can talk to me - not only is it an option... I want him to feel inclined to talk to me. I can’t stress this enough.
Find out what your teen is interested in... beside video games and iPods and talk to them about their interests... research and get brushed up on "did you know" kind of trivia about those topics that interest them.... try it!!!
Keep them engaged - no matter what it takes – then… the hard questions - won't be so.... hard to ask.
How do you feel about talking to your teens about drugs…. about anything for that matter?
Share your thoughts.
Find yourself… keeping it real.
3 comments:
I flat out ask my teenager whether he's using, has used, or has been offered. Sometimes I get attitude, but so what is right.
Have a great week! :)
Not only have I ask, I still ask & yes there is a reason I still clean their room.
I can't even think about what's coming as he gets older (I am in such denial). I have a few more years to self-denial medicate at least
Just grabbed your button! (-:
Melyssa
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