Text Box: Talking About Drugs and Alcohol National studies show that the average age when a child first tries alcohol is age 11; for marijuana, it’s 12.  Here is some important information to help you talk to your child about alcohol and drugs:   ·   Listen carefully.  Student surveys reveal that when parents listen to their children’s feelings and concerns, their kids feel comfortable talking with them and are more likely to stay drug-free.   ·   Role play how to say, “No”.  Role play ways in which your child can refuse to go along with his friends without becoming a social outcast.  Try something like, “Let’s play a game.  Suppose you and your friends are at Andy’s house after school and they find some beer in the refrigerator and ask you to join them in drinking it.  The rule in our family is that children are not allowed to drink alcohol.  So what could you say?”   ·   Encourage choice.  Allow your child plenty of opportunity to become a confident decision-maker.  As your child becomes more skilled at making all kinds of good choices, both you and she will feel more secure in her ability to make the right decision concerning alcohol and drugs if and when the time arrives.   ·   Provide age-appropriate information.  Make sure the information that you offer fits the child’s age and stage.   ·   Establish a clear family position on drugs.  It’s okay to say, “We don’t allow any drug use and children in this family are not allowed to drink alcohol.”   ·   Be a good example.  Children will do what you do more readily than what you say.   ·   Discuss what makes a good friend.  Since peer pressure is so important when it comes to kids’ involvement with drugs and alcohol, it makes good sense to talk with your children about what makes a good friend.   SOURCE: “Talking with Kids About the Tough Issues.” Principal Communicator, December 2006.