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Making or Taking the Opportunity to Talk

Figuring out what to say to your teen on some of life’s tougher issues, like medicine abuse, can be challenging.  How do you get started? Look for opportunities to talk to your teen in your day-to-day activities or take the time to create an opportunity to start a conversation. 

The Best Times to Talk

The following opportunities can be good times to bring up a topic like cough medicine abuse with your teen:

0. When a “teaching” moment arises: For example, a news story about a celebrity or athlete’s issue with substance abuse can provide a relevant and timely reason to bring up the issue.
0. Driving in a car: Sometimes it’s easier to talk when you’re not facing each other, and are both looking ahead.
0. In the evening:  Girls tend to respond better in the late evening before bedtime because of hormonal changes.

Be Prepared - Know Your Lines!

To get the most out of the conversation, know what you want to say and how you want to say it before you get started. Visit TimetoTalk.org to find suggested scripts and get coaching from the experts.

 

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