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. “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?” When the time is right to start talking together, use “how,” “why,” “what” questions to help your teen work through different scenarios that could involve alcohol.
Questions that start with “how,” “what,” and “why” can encourage an exchange of ideas. They help teens 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 things could you say? • Why do you think drinking alcohol, using cannabis or taking other substances is dangerous? By encouraging your teen to think through these situations for themselves, you help them build the confidence and decision-making skills they need to navigate real-life challenges, safely.
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