Did you take drugs, Dad? Just say no

[Jazzy]

Parents who discuss their own drug-use risk encouraging their children to experiment, researchers have warned.



While previous studies have suggested that parents should be open about drug-use to make their children less likely to take drugs themselves, the study showed that the opposite is the case.



The report, published in the journal Human Communication Research, said that even when parents spoke about negative experiences, it increased the chances of their children also using drugs.



However, children whose parents did not talk about drug-use but delivered a strong anti-drug message were more likely to exhibit anti-drug attitudes themselves.



Jennifer Kam, of the University of Illinois, based her findings on a study of more than 500 American high school pupils. The children were asked about conversations with their parents about alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana.



Dr Kam said: “Parents may want to reconsider whether they should talk to their children about times when they used substances in the past.”



Source



Do you agree with this? Why or why not?

 

[seasidemike]

that is a tough one...

It makes sense, but I guess it is a question of degree.

who is to say the kids won't try it anyway??



The thing is this, my kids don't know everything, but they know enough to know, that I would know if there were doing drugs.

 

[Sinon]

What's that? Children try to copy their parents? Why didn't we find this out sooner!?



In case you can't tell, that's sarcasm.

 

[Evil Eye]

How hard is it to just tell them they'd be stupid if they used drugs?

What's that? Children try to copy their parents? Why didn't we find this out sooner!?

But I thought teens tried to fight everything their parents did!

 

[DrLeftover]

There is no point to answering the question.



If you say no they think you are lying, if you say yes... well, that's a hell of its own.

 

[Jazzy]

There is no point to answering the question.



If you say no they think you are lying, if you say yes... well, that's a hell of its own.

Another awesome reply and I agree with you!

 

[DrLeftover]

I'm sorry, I'll try not to do that again.

 

[Jazzy]

That's okay, Doc, please carry on as usual.

 

[DrLeftover]

If you insist.

 

[Jazzy]

I do and thank you!

 

[Jazzy]

How hard is it to just tell them they'd be stupid if they used drugs?

The main question here is if YOU as a parent should tell them if YOU have ever taken drugs. If you did, would you tell your child?

 

[seasidemike]

I think it depends on the conversation and why you have to have it.



if it is like 'hey kids, did I ever tell you about the time me and my buddy smoked this massive joint and ate a party size pizza???.. haaa it was a blast'.. then I think by next weekend your kid will be stoned out of their mind..



but if it is about education maybe, for no other reason but to let them know that before being a parent you once actually had a life.. but more than than, so they know that can trust you cause information and communication has to be two ways.



the reality is, that I fully expect that some time, if not already, my kids will most likely smoke a joint, I would hope that by open dialog the situation can be controlled and monitored.

 

[Evil Eye]

If you did, would you tell your child?

If they asked, probably. But I wouldn't make it sound like a positive experience, regardless of what actually happened.

 

[Jazzy]

I'm a firm believer in honesty and open communication. If my child asked (not that I have one), I would tell the truth. If I had tried drugs, I would tell them I was young and foolish and it was a big mistake. You can't expect your child to be open and honest with you if you're not willing to do so as well. That's just my 2 cents worth.