When talking to your teenager about drug use, it's important to approach the conversation with care and concern. Here are a few things to avoid saying to your teenager:
"You're just being rebellious." This can minimize the teenager's feelings and experiences and may make them less likely to open up or listen to your concerns.
"I'm disappointed in you." This can be hurtful and make the teenager feel like they have let you down. It's important to focus on the behavior and the risks associated with drug use, rather than judging the teenager as a person.
"Everyone does it." This can minimize the risks and consequences of drug use and may make the teenager feel like they don't have a choice in the matter.
"I don't want to hear it." Shutting down the conversation or not being open to the teenager's perspective can make them feel like their thoughts and feelings don't matter.
"You're going to ruin your life." This can be overly dramatic and may make the teenager feel like there is no hope for the future. It's important to focus on the potential risks and consequences of drug use, but also to emphasize that there are resources and support available to help the teenager make healthy choices.
If you are at a loss about what needs to change in order to get your teen heading in the right direction, you might consider partnering with Teen Focused Counseling.
Counselor Jesse has years of experience partnering with anxious, depressed, defiant, resistant, oppositional, and substance struggling teens. Consider scheduling a session today!
