• Listen carefully - find the time and space to listen to and talk with your child. Find out what they know and if they have any worries.
  		• Reassure your child that it's ok to be independent or different - sometimes children feel they have to try drugs to be a part of a crowd or to fit in.
  		• Establish a clear family position on drugs. Explain that drugs are dangerous, and because you love your children you don't want them to take drugs.
  		• Give lots of praise - this helps boost your child's self confidence and encourages them to avoid making choices which could cause them harm.
  		• Have positive expectations - always expect the best from your children, not the worst.
  		• Establish clear rules about right and wrong behaviour - children do look to parents for acceptable limits. If you have clear rules about issues such as homework and watching TV, its easier to set rules about other behaviour such as taking drugs.
  		• Repeat your messages whenever you can - but in a way that makes sense to your child. Use everyday experiences and issues raised on television to bring the subject into your conversations.
  		• Althought their is no 'set age' for starting to talk about drugs, children from the age of nine upwards should know that drugs are dangerous.
  		• As children get older they should be encouraged to discuss any specific concerns about drugs when the issue arises.


    Click for more details Why talk about drugs?
    Click for more details What age should you start talking to your child about drugs?
    Click for more details Further information about drugs


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