Talking to Kids

Initiating conversations with your children about medication safety, substance abuse, and the associated risks can be challenging but is crucial for their well-being and safety. These discussions lay the groundwork for understanding the responsible use of medications and the dangers of opioid misuse and abuse. By fostering open communication and providing ongoing guidance, you can empower your children to make informed decisions and navigate potential challenges confidently. These conversations can have a huge impact on reducing opioid use disorder and overdoses across Escambia County and our region. The following talking points offer practical tips to help you initiate and maintain these essential conversations with your children effectively.

1. Start the conversation when they are young: Initiate conversations about medication safety early on. As soon as your kids grasp the concept of medicines, start discussing their proper use and the risks of misuse.
2. Teach and educate: Educate on the dangers of misusing prescriptions. Emphasize that taking someone else's prescription, even if it's from a friend or family member, is both unsafe and illegal.
3. Build relationships with your children: Foster a close bond with your children, emphasizing their health and well-being. Open communication will encourage them to approach you with serious concerns.
4. Have multiple conversations: Engage in ongoing discussions. Instead of a single "big talk," have frequent, brief conversations about the risks of opioid misuse and abuse as they mature.
5. Choose informal time to talk: Choose a relaxed setting for discussions. Talk with your children during car rides, while doing chores, or on walks to create a comfortable atmosphere that reduces the pressure of face-to-face interactions.
6. Don't lecture: Avoid lecturing and encourage dialogue. Begin by asking your children what they know about opioids to make them feel valued and encourage active participation in the conversation.
7. Practice active listening: Reflecting on things your children say shows them that you understand and validates their feelings. “It sounds like you…” or “It seems like you…”
8. Be empathetic and supportive: Show empathy and support. Recognize that children communicate differently from adults due to brain development. Assure them of your understanding and unwavering support.
9. Make an exit plan: Develop an emergency plan. Help your children devise a strategy for declining offers of prescription pain relievers that aren't theirs, such as texting a predetermined code word to a family member.
10. Discuss family history: Discuss family history of substance abuse. Address the genetic and environmental factors related to substance use disorders to equip your children with knowledge and awareness.
11. Practice medication safety: Identify proper ways to secure and dispose of medication to guard children from accidentally taking medication that could harm them. Practicing proper medication storage and disposal will protect your children.