Why You Need to Talk to Your Kids About Drinking Vaping, and Cannabis: No Child Is Immune
Many parents assume that their child will never experiment with drinking, vaping, or cannabis. It’s a comforting thought, but it can also be a dangerous one. The truth is, no matter how responsible, well-behaved, or informed your child seems, they are not immune to the pressures, curiosities, or circumstances that lead many young people to try these substances. Having an open and honest dialogue with your child is one of the most powerful tools you have to guide them—and it’s never too early to start.
Why This Conversation Is Essential
Children Face More Risks Than Ever Before: The availability and accessibility of substances like flavored vapes, cannabis edibles, and underage drinking have skyrocketed in recent years. Nearly one in five high school students in the United States reported vaping in 2021, while cannabis use among teens has grown significantly, particularly in regions with legal access. Substances are often marketed in ways that attract young people, with colorful packaging or enticing flavors.
Good Behavior Is Not a Protective Shield: Even the “good kids” can fall prey to experimentation. Peer pressure, stress, curiosity, and even boredom can drive a child to make choices that seem out of character. Parents who assume “my child would never” may miss the warning signs or delay essential conversations.
Real story: A mother of a 16-year-old honor student recalls being shocked to learn her son had been vaping with his friends. “He’s always been so responsible—I never thought it could happen to him. I wish I had talked to him earlier instead of assuming he knew the risks.” This mother’s experience underscores the importance of proactive conversations, regardless of a child’s personality or track record.
Silence Can Be Misinterpreted: If you’re not talking to your children about the risks of drinking, vaping, and cannabis, someone else is—whether it’s their friends, social media, or pop culture. Misinformation thrives in silence. By starting the conversation, you can ensure that your child is hearing the facts from you and not distorted myths from elsewhere.
The Importance of Talking Early and Often
You might think your child is too young to learn about these topics, but studies show that children are forming opinions about substances by the time they reach middle school—or even earlier. Starting the conversation while they are young helps establish trust, normalize open dialogue, and arm them with knowledge before they face real-world pressures.
Start Early: By the time they’re in elementary school, children are old enough to understand basic concepts about health and safety. A simple explanation like “Some things, like vaping, can hurt our lungs and make us sick” can set the foundation.
Revisit Often: As your child grows, adapt the conversation to their age and experiences. For a teenager, the conversation might involve discussing peer pressure, long-term health risks, or the dangers of impaired judgment.
Normalize Questions: Make it clear that your child can come to you with any questions about substances. React calmly and with understanding, even if you’re surprised by what they ask. The goal is to be their trusted resource, not someone they fear disappointing.
How to Have Effective Conversations
Be Honest and Factual: Children respect honesty. Share the real risks of drinking, vaping, and cannabis without resorting to scare tactics. For instance, explain that nicotine in vapes is highly addictive and can harm brain development, or that cannabis use in teens is linked to memory problems and lower academic performance.
Real Story: One parent told their child about a close friend who started drinking heavily at a young age and eventually struggled with addiction. “I wasn’t trying to scare my son, but I wanted him to understand how these choices can lead to bigger consequences down the road.” Sharing real examples can give these risks a human face.
Focus on Their Goals: Frame the conversation around their aspirations and how substances could interfere with those. For example, if your child loves sports, you could discuss how vaping harms lung capacity and endurance.
A Practical Example: Tell your child, “If you want to stay at the top of your game, it’s important to protect your lungs. Vaping might seem harmless, but it can really hold you back.”
Role-Play Scenarios: Help your child practice how to respond to peer pressure. Offer simple, effective responses they can use, like “No thanks, I don’t want to mess up my game this weekend,” or “I promised my parents I wouldn’t.”
A Real Scenario: A teen shared how her parents practiced saying no with her before she attended a big party. When offered alcohol, she felt confident saying, “I’m good, thanks,” because she had rehearsed it.
Share Stories, Not Just Rules: Real-life examples—such as a relative who struggled with addiction or news stories about vaping-related health issues—can make the risks feel more relatable and concrete.
Why This Matters for Every Parent
No child is exempt from the possibility of trying substances, but the most effective way to reduce the likelihood is through communication. By starting conversations early, you create a foundation of trust and knowledge that your child will carry with them into adolescence and beyond. Avoid the trap of thinking, “It won’t happen to my child.” Instead, be proactive, approachable, and consistent.
The sooner you engage your child in these discussions, the better equipped they will be to make informed choices. The goal isn’t to scare them, but to prepare them with the tools they need to navigate challenges safely. It’s never too early to start—and it’s never too late to make a difference.
For more information, help, and resources, please visit www.steeredstraight.org or call (856) 691-6676
Our mission is to steer youth straight toward making sound, rational decisions through a learning experience that provides a message of reality to help them make positive, informed choices.
