Power of Parents ® High School Handbook
Chapter 7
Key Takeaways
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Until after age 21 is crucial in reducing long- term risks, including combining substances. Allowing alcohol, on special occasions especially, can send the message that celebrations require alcohol.
Talking with your teen consistently reduces the risk of substance misuse, even in high- pressure situations like parties.
Parents who drink less and avoid cannabis offer protective modeling that their teens are likely to follow.
Did You Use Cannabis When You Were Young? Like alcohol, parents differ in their experiences with cannabis when they were young. There are many different ways parents approach answering this question. Here are some examples of how to respond to this type of question:
“I know the data also shows that when parents think it is okay for their teens to drink or smoke once in a while, those teens drink/smoke more and have more problems in their lives.”
“If I knew what I know now, I would have made a lot of decisions differently, including not trying something at a party when I was younger that I might later regret.”
“There’s a lot more research about the harmful affects of cannabis now compared to back when I was young. With the information we have now, it would be irresponsible to not encourage you to make an informed decision. I want to protect you as best I can. So let’s talk about it.”
“I do know now studies show the younger people are when they drink or smoke cannabis, the more likely they will have more frequent and more severe problems in their teens, 20s, and beyond.”
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