Talking to pre-teens or teens about drugs can be challenging for some parents, but the Moose Jaw Crystal Meth Strategy Committee is offering a helpful resource to handle that issue.
The committee wants to present a free, one-hour interactive presentation to groups entitled “Talking to Your Kids about Drugs.” The session covers why teenagers use substances, opportunities for two-way dialogue, active listening and responding, helpful “to-do” hints, establishing boundaries, and preparing for the conversations about drugs.
The committee will also provide parents with a toolkit containing helpful websites and community supports and resources.
School community councils, community organizations, parent groups or others are invited to email mjcmsc2021@gmail.com or call Mary Lee Booth at 306-630-2056 to schedule a presentation for groups of six or more. The presentation can be arranged either in person or via Zoom.
The Moose Jaw Crystal Meth Strategy Committee is offering some important messages for parents as they engage with their children about drugs. Some messages include:
- Parents matter and are their child’s most important role model and best defence against drug use
- Pre-teens do value their parents’ opinions and input. Kids who learn about the risks of drugs at home are 50 per cent less likely to use substances
- Pre-teens will more likely be offered drugs from a friend than a stranger
- Parents should look for opportunities to communicate on important issues
- Two-way dialogue, active listening, validation and acknowledgement can result in meaningful conversations and respectful relationships
- Staying involved in a teen’s schedule and friendships shows that parents are interested and care
- Pre-teens do experience emotional pain and may benefit from tools, support and guidance
- Boundaries, rules and expectations are still important while pre-teens are learning about their independence
The Moose Jaw Crystal Meth Strategy Committee can be found on Facebook. The committee encourages the community to “spread the work on meth,” which is also the organization’s theme for this year.
