You have probably heard it time and time again: talk to your kids about drugs! It is good advice. Kids who learn about the risks of drug use from their parents are less likely to use drugs than kids who have not had such conversations with their parents. Where do you start? Below are some tips for getting the conversation started and places to learn more so that you feel better prepared with correct information about drugs.

Use those teachable moments that come up when watching TV. News reports, anti-drug commercials and alcohol and drug use portrayed in movies can lead into a conversation with your children about alcohol and other drug use.

Give honest answers. If you don’t know, find out or seek out the answer together with your child. Where can you begin searching?

The site www.theantidrug.com has facts about drugs specifically geared toward parents. It also contains useful information about how to talk to your child about drugs. Also, try www.talkingwithkids.org. This site offers more tips about talking to your kids about drugs and a variety of other topics. Or go to www.drugfreeamerica.org. Partnership for a Drug Free America has gathered a great deal of information for adults and students on this site.

Call Washington State Alcohol/Drug Prevention Clearinghouse at 1-800-662-9111 to request information on any topic related to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The info will be mailed to your address free of charge. Not sure what to request? Just explain to the clearinghouse staff your interests and they will send any brochures, information fact sheets and booklets that may be of help.

April is Drug Free Washington Month. Use it as an opportunity to talk with your child about being drug free.

Lisa Yeager

North Whidbey Youth Coalition