In this complex world there are many issues that are difficult for children to understand and for adults to explain. The issue of alcohol and other drugs can be very confusing to children. If drugs are so dangerous, then why is the medicine cabinet full of them? And why are my friends drinking and smoking without any apparent harm?

Although teachers, doctors, and clergy bear some of the responsibility to educate our children, we would be remiss to not accept and embrace our duty to educate our children ourselves. Remember, it’s never too soon to talk to your children about drugs and alcohol. A recent study demonstrated that many children first sample alcohol at age eleven and marijuana at age twelve. The main two reasons cited by children for trying these substances were peer pressure and curiosity. Peer pressure is something you can help them resist by raising them to be strong, independent thinkers; curiosity about drugs and alcohol is something you can control by giving your kids the facts about the health problems associated with their use.

That said, make sure the information you offer fits your child’s age and developmental stage. When your five- or six-year-old is brushing her teeth, try saying something like, “We brush our teeth twice a day to keep them healthy, but some people do things that aren’t healthy for their bodies, like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or using drugs.”

An older child might be ready to hear about more specific side effects.

More often than not, children will do as you do, not as you say. Knowing this, think twice about pounding a six-pack when your favorite team is playing on TV. Your behavior needs to be consistent with what you expect of your kids.

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