Understanding Your Teen

Jonathan Tucker of San Diego, CA has taken it upon himself to educate parents about a range of problems that their children may be having with peers and drugs. His goal, he says, is simple:

"I help parents of teens
better understand their teens
through actual teen insight
into the world of teens"

He began his website, understandmyteen.com, after his friend died from an overdose of Oxycotin. He uses his site as well as an updated blog to help parents talk to their teens about drugs.

The site and blog may not be specifically about inhalant abuse, but there are many helpful ideas that can apply to a range of issues that parents have with their teenagers.

Recently, he has written about how important it is for teenagers to be involved with extracurricular activities, and provides examples of different organizations that are teen-friendly.

In addition, he brings up how to talk to your kids, mentioning that,

"having a conversation about a touchy subject like drugs is hard for any teen and parent. However, it’s a conversation that needs to happen…it’s important that your teen realize the dangers of drug use and how it can tear lives apart.

Having a productive and effective conversation about drugs with your teen is very important. I would suggest ‘breaking the ice’ by having some comedic or funny beginning to the conversation.

Show the teen a funny video or movie scene related to drugs

Tell the teen a story you heard about someone doing something ridiculous when they were ‘high’

Think of any way to make the conversation start off as funny…this will help your teen open up to you.

Understand that I’m not trying to suggest that drug use is funny…not at all! Instead, I’m telling you how to strategically start a conversation about this touchy subject with your teen so that they’ll actually listen to you.

If the conversation starts off awkward, your teen will shut off to you and simply hope the conversation is over as soon as possible…that’s not a good or effective conversation at all."