How old do you start talking to your children about drugs and alcohol. My son is 9 and came home saying that his friend said his parents smoke pot. I really didnt know how to respond. I told him that was wrong. We really didnt go into it any more. Im wondering when we should sit him down and really talk to him about the effects these things can have on your life.
Thank you
-Lorah
2006-12-23 03:55:31 · 23 answers · asked by babie_gurl781 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I started talking out drugs with my kids when they started school.
This 'friend' of your son. Is he an otherwise normal kid? How are his grades? Is he fed and clothed properly? Does he play well and interact with the kids at school? Does he act normal around adults?
See where I'm going? If his parents are lighting up every day, then the child will suffer. If they have a once or twice a year joint on special occasions then their offspring aren't exactly consigned to the fires of hell.
I dont' smoke it because of legal and religious issues, but when I did smoke it about 20 years back I somehow managed to survive and even finish Pharmacy school.
By all means talk to your kid, and if his friend is being neglected because of his parents then report it. Otherwise, butt out.
2006-12-25 15:09:56 · answer #1 · answered by jloertscher 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It differs.
The first thing you have to consider is the area you live in and the school your child goes to. You say you're son is 9, that means that next year he will probably enter Middle School. I live in Miami and Middle School is where most teenagers down here start.
You also need to consider your childs attitude towards new things. If anybody ever asks, I will always tell them it is a good thing to encourage a child to try new things, however this can backfire tragically when it comes to things you do not wish your child to try.
The best advice I can give you, is to talk to your son about this time; Before he starts Middle School.
During Middle and High School I had many friends which smoked pot, and did drugs, and my mother sure as hell disapproved that they were my friends. But to me... that didn't matter. She made it clear that if anybody was ever smoking or doing drugs, just to make sure I am not near by, and I never was.
Make it clear that drugs are bad for you, and I don't mean just tell him. If your child is old enough to know that he breaths through his lungs then he's old enough to know that smoking destroys your lungs. If he is old enough to know that he thinks using his brain, then he is old enough that smoking will slow down this process.
This is one of the major facts I have noticed parents ommitting when telling their children. The effects of smoking and doing drugs are rarely immediate, and this is the excuse of children to do it, 1x maybe 2, 3 and before they know it, they are making excuses why school is becoming harder, and they play less sports. Make it clear that these are the effects of drugs, and not to forget the legal consequences.
Good luck,
this age range 8-14 is always a hard time when it comes to a childs development.
2006-12-23 12:06:35 · answer #2 · answered by Lamar - 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Lorah~~
I think this is the perfect time. I don't think there is an age.. but when the child starts talking/questioning it. I would talk to him about this and explain why its bad. If you don't, and he see's or knows of his friends parents do smoke pot, he might think its ok... So now is the best time for YOU to talk to YOUR son about this! But you have to continue. This is not a one time talk.. it will have to be ongoing now and through out his teenage years. I have an 8 year old.. and I am waiting to hear something from her to begin the talk! Good luck hon!
2006-12-23 13:35:13 · answer #3 · answered by mom_of_4 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lorah,
Talk to him now. And again later and keep talking to him about drugs, smoking, sex, alcohol - all of it. Sometimes it can be hard and embarrassing, but kids listen to their parents and you are his best line of defense against peer pressure. If he knows he won't get in trouble for asking questions (just because he asks, don't assume he is doing it or even thinking about doing it) and if he knows he won't freak you out by asking and you'll tell him what you know (and that you're willing to say "I don't know, let's find out" - and then really do that) he will be more likely to come to you first and believe you over his friends.
Good luck and hang in there - being a parent is tough - and rewarding!
2006-12-23 12:10:21 · answer #4 · answered by J m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I talked with my kids day one........ I think my first conversation was with my oldest when he was 2. He asked about some whacked out guy on the side of the road an I used it as an example why not to do drugs. When ever there is something that comes up that I can tie it in to....... I talk about drugs, smoking, drinking. I'm fairly open with my kids when they ask I tell the truth. It is at times uncomfortable, but I figure it is better they get the information from me rather than some buddy and get it screwed up.
2006-12-23 12:08:33 · answer #5 · answered by luv3dbb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As soon as your child is old enough to talk and learn right from wrong you should start talking about drugs. I have a four year old and a 2 1/2 year old and I take every opportunity to teach them what they need to know. A nine year old can handle pretty in depth answers and probably needs them. Good Luck!
2006-12-23 12:05:23 · answer #6 · answered by Steph 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lorah ~ YOU should always disccues to your children about drugs cause they could get someone random and tell your child you want some drug what will they say NOThing cause you did not talk to your child earlier the danger of the drugs out there are serious stuff
I have a 4 month baby well baby sister and I alway talk to her about it it not too earily to talk about it with them
2006-12-23 14:19:01 · answer #7 · answered by clair 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As soon as they are old enough to understand & reason. My son is 5 1/2 yrs. old & he actually made a comment about drugs. He asked me if drugs were bad for him. I told him yes very bad don't ever touch them! I'd rather it be too soon than not soon enough!
2006-12-23 11:59:26 · answer #8 · answered by Tara F 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
since hes already beginning to ask about it, you should sit down w/him and talk to w/him about the pros and cons of drugs. the earlier you can tell him that its not good for him and for anyone, the better understanding he can get. don't try to avoid the topic, because he will think that you don't care about that matter. just explain everything you know about drugs, and its effect to someones life if misused.
2006-12-23 12:03:50 · answer #9 · answered by fc 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My parents talked to all of us about drugs and drinknig before we even started into school, and on occasion in passing from then on.
Why on earth didnt you sit him down and address the situation, and his curiosity at the time that he brought it up?
2006-12-23 12:00:21 · answer #10 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋