Parents and teens: How to talk about drugs without lectures

While parents may often mean well, lecturing may not always work. Teens easily tune these out. Harm reduction starts with an open, judgment-free conversation. 

Tips for parents:

• Lead with care, not fear: “I love you and want you safe” instead of “Don’t ever do that.”

• Ask open questions: “What do you know about vaping?” “What’s going on at parties?”

• Listen more than you talk - sometimes silence is powerful. 

• Share real information, not scare tactics. Teens can tell when you exaggerate. 

For teens: 

• Be honest - hiding things builds distance. 

• Ask for support, not just permission. 

Conversations instead of lectures build trust. Trust keeps teens safer.