Starting the Conversation Communication is most effective when all participants have a feeling of connection and collaboration. The best way to achieve this is by asking for permission to talk. When the time is right to start talking together, use “how,” “what,” and “why” questions to help your child work through different scenarios that could involve alcohol.
“There is something that I have been thinking about lately, and I was hoping we could talk about it for a few minutes. Is that okay?”
By encouraging your child to think through these situations for themselves, you help them build the confidence and decision- making skills they need
Questions that start with “how,” “what,” and “why” can encourage an exchange of ideas. They help children practice rational thinking about pros and cons of different alternatives. Open-ended questions allow kids to develop thinking skills that help them resist in-the- moment emotions. Instead of telling them what to do or what is right or wrong, you might ask: How would you handle an invitation to a party where there will be older kids? What could you say? Why do you think drinking alcohol, using cannabis, or taking other substances is dangerous?
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