"Not My Kid" ...Until it is
As parents, we all know we should be talking to our kids. But how often do we find ourselves thinking, "I already talked about that," or "They know how I feel about X, Y, and Z." But do they?
Have you had those tough, important conversations with your kids and teens? If not, it’s time to start. Science shows that adults are the number one influence in their children's lives. Even when it feels like they’re not listening, they are. And when the time is right, your words will stay with them.
Don't wait for the "right moment" – start the conversation now. Talk openly about everything, from everyday topics to the tough ones. Ask for their opinions, listen to their thoughts, and don’t shy away from discussing the hard stuff, like substances and peer pressure.
When a parent says, “Not my kid,” it’s often a wake-up call too late.
Don’t wait. Start a conversation today, and give your child the guidance and support they need.
Scroll down for resources and more information to help you get started.
Have you had those tough, important conversations with your kids and teens? If not, it’s time to start. Science shows that adults are the number one influence in their children's lives. Even when it feels like they’re not listening, they are. And when the time is right, your words will stay with them.
Don't wait for the "right moment" – start the conversation now. Talk openly about everything, from everyday topics to the tough ones. Ask for their opinions, listen to their thoughts, and don’t shy away from discussing the hard stuff, like substances and peer pressure.
When a parent says, “Not my kid,” it’s often a wake-up call too late.
Don’t wait. Start a conversation today, and give your child the guidance and support they need.
Scroll down for resources and more information to help you get started.
Conversation Starters & Guides:
- Talk It Over (Px21) - Choose the topic you are interested in and start the conversation today.
- Talk. They Hear You. (SAMHSA) – Tips and tools to help parents start conversations about underage drinking and substance use.
- Start the Talk (CDC) – A guide to talking to kids about tobacco, vaping, and peer pressure.
- The Family Dinner Project – Conversation starters and activities to strengthen family communication during meals.
- Partnership to End Addiction – Parent Resources – Advice for discussing drugs, alcohol, and mental health.
- Common Sense Media – Guidance on talking to kids about social media, online safety, and digital well-being.
- Love is Respect – Resources to help parents discuss healthy relationships and dating violence with teens.
- Truth Initiative - Resources to help parents discuss nicotine addicition
- Verywell Health - Learn and teach the appropriate handsignals if you are in distress
- Vaping - Reducing vaping
- National PTA – Healthy Minds – Mental health resources for parents.
- Understood.org – Support for talking with kids about learning and thinking differences.
- KidsHealth – Talking to Your Child – Age-appropriate advice on communicating with kids about various topics.
