Here are some tips to help you effectively talk to your kids about alcohol and drugs.

Tip one:
Always listen carefully to what your children have to say. This means that you are going to need to actively listen to your children, not just hear them. Stop and take the time to sit down with your child and focus on what they are saying. Don't worry about what you will be making for dinner that night or what your next response is going to be, this is the difference between listening and hearing. It has been shown that by listening to your child's feelings and concerns will help your child feel comfortable in talking to you, which can help them stay drug free.

Tip two:
Do not just talk to your kids about saying no to drugs or drinking. One of the best means of communication on this subject is through role-playing. Give your child the chance to role-play various situations that they might encounter the opportunity to do drugs or to drink. You can be the person giving the scenarios and let your child come up with their own answers. If they come up with a great answer, praise them. If the answer isn't very good or seems unsure, you can offer your child a few suggestions on what they might say to their friends. The more you role-play with your child the more comfortable they will be in saying no and talking to you about drugs and alcohol.

Tip three:
Talk to your children about making choices. One of the best ways to help encourage your child to make choices is to allow them to make their own choices, within limits though. For example, your child can decide if they want to invite many children to their birthday party or if they only want to invite a few. The more you allow them to make their own decisions the better they will become at making the right decisions, which will help you and your child feel more secure about their ability to make the right decision when it comes to using drugs or alcohol.

Tip four:
When talking to your child about drugs and alcohol you are going to want to provide age-appropriate information. With younger children, you simply want to talk to them about how unhealthy drugs and alcohol can be for you. You can bring this up if drugs or alcohol is mentioned on a TV show that you are watching together or even when they are brushing their teeth. If they have, more questions make sure that you answer them, but if not just let it go. With young children, simple comments that are repeated often will get the message across. With older children, you will need to offer specific information on drugs and alcohol, such as how they can affect their body, what they look like, what different names they go by, etc.

Tip five:
Take a firm stance on drug and alcohol use in your family. Explain to your children about what your family policy is on drugs and alcohol; explain to them that it is not okay for children to drink until they are 21, that it is never okay for your children to use illegal drugs. When establishing this policy make sure that, you follow the same policy you are setting for your children. You want to set the best example that you can for your children because children are more likely to mimic your actions than your words. For example, do not reach for a beer the minute you get home from a hard day at work because that sends the message that drinking is the best way to unwind.