What if They Ask Me if I Used?

You know they will. "Didn't you drink when you were in high school?" "But you smoked pot when you were a kid." What do you say? Some parents can honestly say that they weren't involved, that they didn't drink or use marijuana or other drugs. If that is the truth, then that is what you say.

Other parents were involved with social drinking, heavy drinking, and even the use of marijuana and other drugs. Most experts recommend that if kids ask, parents should tell the truth without getting too specific. This is not the time to wax nostalgic about how expert you were at Beer Pong or that old bong of yours from college. It is a good time to talk about what you believe you missed because of your drinking or marijuana use. Did your own marijuana or alcohol use contribute to poor grades, failed relationships, or current health concerns that can be instructive now with your children? You are a powerful role model, so don't exaggerate or glamorize your alcohol or drug experiences.

If you do choose to lie or deny ever having been involved with alcohol or other drugs, you run a great risk. Steve Dnistrian, the executive Vice-President of the Partnership for a Drug Free America says, "If at any time your child picks up on the fact that you have not been truthful, your credibility has been blown. We recommend parents not take that gamble."

Try These:

"When I was in high school, the drinking age was still 18, so our behavior was legal.  However, alcohol use often led to dangerous behaviors in younger people which is part of the reason the drinking age was increased."

"We didn't know as much about binge drinking or marijuana as we do now.  It was the same with digarettes.  We didn't think smoking was very harmful either."

"Yes, I tried it a couple of times because friends of mine were doing it.  And then I stopped because I decided it just wasn't a healthy thing to do."

"Are you thinking I might give you permission to use alcohol or marijuana because I have tried them?"

"Whether or not I used is not the main issue here.  The main issue is you, your health and safety.  I definitely do not want you to use alcohol, marijuana, or any other drugs.  I want you to stay safe and healthy."