Sponsored by Single Edition Media on behalf of the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.
The minute I tell someone from out of state I live in Colorado I see that silly grin on their face. They know, I know – It is legal to buy marijuana in my home state. For those who are not living in Colorado see this as an unusual thing but it is our reality in Colorado. Now, this is not a post about how I feel about the legalization but more about how those of us who live in states that now have the legalization of marijuana need to talk to our kids about it all.
Just like talking about any kind of drugs, cigarettes or alcohol it can be difficult for parents to do. The questions from kids can be overwhelming and hard to answer but we have to do it. Thankfully, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has created a safe place for parents to come and educate themselves on the new laws and provided a ton of how-to’s and tips to make those conversations count!
Listen carefully and stay positive. Keep the conversation open so they can come
to you with any questions. When youth
know they can ask you questions it creates an open dialogue and comfort between
you and them!
Start the Conversation
That might be the hardest step. Parenting is hard work – we sometimes do not know how to approach the hard subjects but it has to be done. Finding a safe and brave space for you and the child(ren) to sit and talk openly is very important. Decide when the time is right for you. Ignoring the conversation isn’t much better than
ignoring the issue.
Listen
Be a good listener. Get
their opinion. Don’t talk over or down
to them. When you allow them to be heard
they are more likely to listen when you speak.
Establish Clear Rules
Set your expectations.
Make them clear and stick to them.
Role-Play How to Say “No”
Seems silly but sometimes the biggest problem for the kiddo
is to actually come up with the right words to say no. Work with them to find tools to deal with
peer pressure. This can be as simple as “no
thanks. If I get in trouble, I won’t be
able to do sports, theater, etc”.
Focus on the Positive Messages
Positive messages are empowering. Being negative might overwhelm them or make
them act out of fear of defiance.
Talk about Friends
Know who their friends are, what they are like and how they
influence your child. Be a part of their
circle and ask questions.
Promote Self-Confidence
Teach them that marijuana us e is not something to build an identity
around. Give them examples of the self-confidence
you see in your child daily.
Keep your Relationship Strong
Let them know you are on their side. You
want them to make the best decision for themselves.
Your Influence Matters
You might be surprised at how much influence your words,
actions and opinions can have on your child’s choices.
So now you have some easy tips to help you talk about the
subject of Marijuana use with your kids but how much do you really know?
Before you step into the discussion with your kids stop by the
Good To Know website and learn about Marijuana 101, Health Effects, and Legal
Consequences. Sure, it is legal in our
state and a few others but NOT FOR EVERYONE!
Educate yourself so you can become an expert for your child to come to
you with their questions.
For more information please visit the awesome Good to Know website and thank you to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment for these easy talking tips.
Have you had this discussion with your child yet – what tips would you give other parents?
I'm dreading this talk but we started a little bit bc of the song "Can't feel my face" about cocaine use. My oldest is going to be 10 years old. It's probably time. It's good to know, "Good to know".
Anonymoussays
I've tried encouraging this discussion with my kids as well because the last thing I'd want is for my children to think their mom is too square to understand. I feel as though that leads to a lot of other problems down the road. Personally, I see a lot of benefits to marijuana use, but like with everything else, it's important to encourage responsibility.
Tips on how to start and keep the conversation going is very important because many parents feel overwhelmed with discussing these kind of issues. My cousins are not of age yet to be concerned with teaching them about drugs.
I am dreading these kinds of talks! But its always a great idea to be prepared and have information like you provided when going in for the conversation.
I worry about these talks but I try and chat with my teen about everything as much as we can so that this can be just another conversation. This is really good info to have for when I do have that chat.
I love this post! I will be sharing it as well. You bring a great point, which is promote self confidence, when talking to our teen's about drugs love it.
I'm dreading this talk but we started a little bit bc of the song "Can't feel my face" about cocaine use. My oldest is going to be 10 years old. It's probably time. It's good to know, "Good to know".
I've tried encouraging this discussion with my kids as well because the last thing I'd want is for my children to think their mom is too square to understand. I feel as though that leads to a lot of other problems down the road. Personally, I see a lot of benefits to marijuana use, but like with everything else, it's important to encourage responsibility.
Thank you for sharing!
Tips on how to start and keep the conversation going is very important because many parents feel overwhelmed with discussing these kind of issues. My cousins are not of age yet to be concerned with teaching them about drugs.
This is great information for all parents. I know I will have to have this talk with my kids fairly soon.
I am dreading these kinds of talks! But its always a great idea to be prepared and have information like you provided when going in for the conversation.
I worry about these talks but I try and chat with my teen about everything as much as we can so that this can be just another conversation. This is really good info to have for when I do have that chat.
I love this post! I will be sharing it as well. You bring a great point, which is promote self confidence, when talking to our teen's about drugs love it.