Lone Parents Support - Suspect or have a drugs problem?

Drugs are illegal, talking about them isn’t

Lets be FRANK – as a parent there will come a day when you’ll be looking for advice to help you talk to your kids about drugs. You may be worried they are already dabbling, or that they might one day.

As Mums, Dads, stepparents and Grandparents, you can have a big influence on how your children think about drugs and one of the best ways to do this is to talk about it.

If you’re going to have a conversation about drugs with your child, you’ll need advice, because let’s face it, these conversations are never going to be easy. Your teenage children are going to find talking to you about drugs as awkward and embarrassing as watching your dance to Abba. So, you need to get it right, or they’ll be out the door quicker than you can sign the opening line to Dancing Queen.

To help get you started, here are some tips for talking:

How to start – you could introduce the subject of drugs by picking up on a TV soap plotline or some local new story about drugs. FRANK has a great online guide to drug slang – things have changed since the 60’s!

Read up on the facts – lots of parents think their children will know more about drugs that they do, but they won’t know any more than what’s on talktofrank.com. If you can’t get them online then call 0800 77 66 00 for a free parents leaflet.

Get someone to help you – have someone else in the room that your child likes and respects, like an older brother or sister, favourite aunt or neighbour.

And if you’re worried your child is taking drugs.. .. .. ..

Stay calm – remember that most kids who take drugs grow out of it, and without suffering long-term problems. Being calm will mean you are more likely to avoid a row.

Avoid asking “Why?” – because it’s the worst thing you can say. It can instantly put your child on the defensive. Instead try gently asking how, what, when and where.

Don’t get hung up on blame – it won’t make anyone feel better. Don’t say “why have you done this to me?” or “Who gave it to you?” It’s where you go from here that’s more important.

Take you time and be ready to listen – be patient and don’t try to get through it all in just one quick chat.

Set clear limits – this isn’t about what your children think and feel, it’s also about your views and house rules.

Reassure, reassure, reassure – If your child has a drug problem, it’s important for them to know you’ll be there for them and that you trust them, but at the same time show them disappointment if this trust is broken.

You can get friendly, confidential information and advice 24 hours a day from FRANK:

Call:

0800 77 66 00 – free from a landline and some mobile phones.

Textphone:

FRANK on 0800 917 8765 if you have a hearing impairment.

Email:

frank@talktofrank.com

Visit:

Talktofrank.com