Having conversations with teenagers can be difficult because they feel like they know everything. Even if you want to talk to them from a place of love, they’re inclined to believe that they have everything handled.
The same can be said of talking to your children about drugs and alcohol, especially marijuana use. So what should you do if you actually catch your child smoking pot?
Connecting Through Conversation
Having a conversation about cannabis and marijuana abuse isn’t the easiest or most comfortable conversation, but it’s better to talk about it than to not.
You are not alone in your fears either: there are likely other parents who are struggling to come to terms with the fact that their children could be smoking marijuana.
There is no right age to talk to your children about marijuana either, as each child is different. It would be best to have the conversation before your child is likely to try using cannabis.
Responding To Your Child’s Use Of Cannabis
If you discover or suspect that your child might be using cannabis, don’t panic. It can be a scary time, but reacting negatively will only make the situation more difficult between you and your child.
The best thing you can do is respond responsibly. Sit down with your child and tell them how you feel. Don’t have this conversation while they’re high, as they’re not going to remember any of it. Give your child the opportunity to express their own feelings, and allow them time to put those feelings into words before they speak.
Offer Alternatives
Depending on the reasons they choose to smoke marijuana, it wouldn’t hurt to offer alternatives. If they do it to feel good, then you could suggest other activities that provide the same adrenaline rush, such as rock climbing or mountain biking.
If they do it to alleviate their anxiety, there are alternative methods for that as well, such as yoga. In any case, it’s a good idea to warn them about what the risks are and how to use the drug in the safest way possible.
Be Deeply Involved
If you find out that your child is engaging in risky activities, such as using marijuana at school or selling it, then it’s important to talk to them about the risk of these activities and why they are involved. This will give you a good measure of what their level of risk is and how you can help them identify any alternatives.
Take Away
It’s not an easy thing to witness your child getting involved in drugs, but yelling at them or searching their room won’t help the situation.
You want to create an open relationship where if your child needs help, they can feel comfortable enough to come and talk to you.
If you need some help speaking to your child, then don’t hesitate to get a counselor or therapist involved to help de-escalate any negative emotions you might have before you have a conversation with your child. It will be better in the long run for the relationship you want to have with your child.
