An important discussion popped up during dinner time conversation; a tough talk that I was hoping to postpone to the future. That dreadful talk about drugs! Bring it up sooner when they are still willing to listen! We were able to get the point across but in a humorous and serious way. We basically flat out said, hey kids don't do drugs. What?
I had already warned them in the past, don't take candies from strangers, and I had used the same example before about not accepting "things that look like candies" from anybody. My kids are still young but not too young to be aware of the dangers; warning them to be strong in the face of a decision point. We talked about how drugs can be addictive, make someone do crazy things, make someone waste all their money, mess up their face, lose their friends and family....
Fast forward to 2020, we've been watching the teen drama, Riverdale. Lots of great conversation starters for important topics - jingle jangle, bootlegging maple rum, off-board gaming, and safe sex.
On a quiet bus ride home this evening from the downtown core, I overheard a conversation between two young men. One guy told his friend that he would like to try Ecstasy, the friend just said, "Don't do it man, it's bad for you, you don't know who you're getting it from or if it's the real thing. If you want to have fun, just have a beer, but don't drink too much..." They chatted some more and the guy had to get off the bus. I really couldn't help but commend the young friend for counselling his buddy to stay away from drugs. We chatted about things, including the conversation I had with my kids, and how important it is to talk about it, and even be that friend who is strong enough to say no, please don't do it.
