Have you taught your child about prescription drug safety yet? Do you think your teen would feel comfortable texting you if they were drinking? These aren’t exactly conversations that parents look forward to as their kids grow up, but they’re such important topics to discuss, at just about any age!
If a kid is old enough to notice smoking, vaping, or alcohol use, or witness someone taking medicines or supplements, then it’s time to start talking about it — tailored to their level of understanding, of course.
Here are some important conversation starters and scripts for every age. As your child grows and learns more about how the world works, you can add on more complex information to your discussions about drugs and alcohol.
What to say to toddlers and preschoolers about drugs and medicine
Young kids are in particular danger of mistaking a pill or gummy as candy, so making sure they know the difference is critical. Modeling safe and healthy use of medications and vitamins is also key at this age.
Important reminder: Medicines, supplements, gummies, etc., should be stored out of reach and sight of young children at all times. Never leave medicine out on a counter, table, or at a bedside, even if you will need it again soon.
Here are three things to say to your toddler about drugs, medications, and even vitamins. Phrases like these lay the groundwork for healthy choices later:
- “If you find a pill, a gummy, or a piece of candy, tell a grownup right away. Don’t taste it — it could make you sick.”
Young kids can’t tell the difference — to them, it looks like it could be yummy. Keep it simple and make sure they know they should bring anything they find to a trusted adult.
- “These vitamins are safe and healthy for kids your age, if you have only one each day.”
If a pill or gummy is for kids, rest assured it tastes amazing (and they’ll want more). Small kids often need frequent reminders that too much of a medicine or vitamin can make them sick.
- “This is medicine from Daddy’s doctor, so only Daddy is allowed to take it.”
Phrases like this help little ones understand that medicine is only safe for the person it’s prescribed to, which can curb their temptation to try it if they do find something that looks like candy.
What to say to elementary-aged kids about drugs and alcohol
Most kids will have to take (or witness family members taking) prescription medications at some point, and it’s important to continue to share tips about how to use them safely.
Plus, if they ever see adults drinking alcohol, you might want to tell them that even once folks turn 21, it’s still not safe or healthy. Even for adults, it’s very important to use moderation.
If kids are well aware of the health risks and have a clear set of guidelines and expectations to follow, they’ll actually be more likely to wait until they’re older to try risky substances.
Here are three things to say to your young kid (age 6+) about drugs and alcohol:
- “Your doctor gave you this medicine — see how it has your name on it? It’s important to check before we open it.”
It’s a good idea, starting at an early age, to reinforce with kids how critical it is to never take medicine that isn’t meant for them.
- “I’m writing down what time I took that cough syrup, because I’m supposed to wait at least 4 hours to take it again.”
While it might be obvious to you, kids don’t know that there are different “rules” for different medications. Narrating actions like these demonstrates the importance of paying attention to the dosage and other guidelines, like whether or not to take the medicine with food.
- “I drink a little bit of wine sometimes because I like the taste, but having too much of it is not safe for adults either.”
This helps explain why they might see adults drinking alcohol, without giving them the impression that it’s “for adults” (and once they reach 21 they can drink as much as they want). Everything in moderation!
What to say to tweens about drugs and alcohol
Once your kid hits the pre-teen stage, they may start seeking more independence and spending more time with their friends. Giving them some freedom helps them learn to navigate the world around them with confidence, but it can also come with some risks that are worth talking about.
That means this stage is a great opportunity to revisit the drugs and alcohol conversation! This time, you can layer on more context about drugs like fentanyl, and more strategies for dealing with peer pressure.
Here are three things to say to your big kid (age 10+) about drugs and alcohol:
- “Do you think people act differently when they’re drinking alcohol? How does that make you feel?”
Prompt some reflection on their experiences around people who’ve been drinking. Remind them that alcohol lowers our inhibitions and makes it more likely we will make unsafe choices.
- “Any pill or drug that wasn’t prescribed to you by your doctor could have fentanyl in it. Even a tiny amount — the size of two grains of salt — can kill you.”
Counterfeit and laced drugs are everywhere these days. In addition to reminding them not to take pills that weren’t prescribed, at this age you can also explain the extreme risk of fentanyl overdose.
- “Most teens don’t drink or do drugs — even though the media might make it seem like they do. But if it comes up, let’s brainstorm what you can say if you feel pressured.”
Practicing phrases like, “No thanks, I’m not into that” or “Nah, I’ll sit this one out” can make them easier for your kid to say in moments of peer pressure.
Bonus tip: Come up with a code word or emoji they can text you if they want you to come pick them up from a tricky situation, no questions asked.
What to say to teens about drugs and alcohol
The dangers of drugs and alcohol combined with peer pressure can cause parents of teens a lot of anxiety. These simple phrases can help you teach your child about those dangers, while also creating a safe space for them to come to you about any questions they have (or mistakes they might make).
It’s only natural to get upset when our kids put themselves in harm’s way, but it’s so much easier to keep them safe when they know they can come to us about hard things without getting in trouble.
Here are three things to say to your teen about drugs and alcohol:
- “Your brain’s actually still developing until you’re about 25, so using substances as a teen can damage your memory, attention span, and mental health — for life.”
Teens may feel invincible, but it can be helpful to remind them that they are still developing and drugs can have really harmful long-term impacts at this point in their lives.
- “People your age have died from taking pills that they didn’t know had fentanyl in them. If you’re aware, you can help your friends from becoming victims.”
Even the tiniest amount of fentanyl can be deadly, so it’s important to drive home just how difficult it is to detect in recreational drugs. Framing it as protecting their friends can make kids feel more open to the conversation.
- “There’s NEVER a reason to get in a car with someone who’s been drinking or using drugs of any kind. Just text me and I’ll come get you, no questions asked.”
You can also come up with a secret signal, code word, or emoji your child can use when they need to be picked up or need help navigating a tricky situation.
More than any words you can say, being a safe, non-judgmental space for your child to ask questions and admit mistakes can be a lifesaver.
