Educating Kids About Marijuana

By
Editorial Team

By sharing information and educating your child about the risks in advance, you may be able to influence their decision and keep them from using it down the road.

Admittedly, having a conversation with your kid about marijuana might seem a little daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a “big, important talk.” In fact, by keeping it informal, you can more easily keep it ongoing, offering information or reminders whenever the opportunity arises.  

Ready, Set...

If you’re ready to have a conversation with your child, the following suggestions can help you get started.

  • Pause and prepare yourself. Before you talk with your child, figure out exactly what you want to say. Then, when the conversation begins, stay calm, use a neutral tone, avoid judgment, and use age-appropriate language.  

  • Start an open dialogue. Instead of lecturing your child, have a conversation and ask them what they know about marijuana. Encourage them to ask questions and invite them to look for more information from a reliable source.  

  • Share the facts. In a calm and straightforward way, let your child know that marijuana is dangerous and can damage both their body and brain. If it’s appropriate, you can explain some of the risks – like how using pot when you’re young can interfere with brain development. Kids need you to share this information because they don’t always know or understand the dangers, and they may not see the harm in trying drugs.    

  • Establish rules. Tell your child clearly that you don’t want them to do drugs. State your family values and the expectations you have for how you treat your bodies and emphasize making health choices that include getting enough sleep, exercising, eating well, and managing stress with healthy behaviors.     

  • Give them an out. Teach your child how to say no if someone offers them marijuana or another dangerous drug.  You can brainstorm together or try role playing to come up with a few options. You can also remind your child that they can always just walk away. 

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