They're listening, even when it looks like they're not. And make sure to compete for your children's time, not just with family activities, but with activities that attach them to other institutions like church, school, sports, community institutions. The more family rituals and community institutions a young person is connected to, the less likely they are to get involved with drugs or other risky behaviors. Sometimes it's more powerful not to answer that question, but to show that you care and want to be available. If you do want to answer, be upfront and emphasize the lessons you've learned.
Parents have an obligation to share experiences with their children when they overcame bad choices.
Either way, many young people think that they're the only ones not using drugs. Let them know that most of their peers are not. They don't have time for drugs because there are so many other options available to them. They know there's a price to using drugs and they aren't willing to pay it. This article was excerpted from HealthQuest.