It is important to talk to your teens about the dangers of substance abuse in order to ensure their health and safety. Parents should keep in mind that they have a far greater influence on their children when it comes to this. However, a lot of parents fail to discuss the issue on drug use and set clear rules about it. If parents are not firm in their stand, their kids may be confused and even be tempted to try it.

Parents should be specific when establishing rules with regard to drug use. Set straight rules and your standard expected behavior. Explain to your children the ill-effects that illegal drug use can bring as well. Moreover, set consequences if your kids break any of the rules.

You need to be consistent when setting these rules, making sure that they are constantly maintained and enforced when it is broken. Parents should set a good example for their children in order to effectively carry out these rules.

Avoid changing the rules halfway or adding new consequences without informing your kids. If you suspect or find that your teen has been experimenting with illegal substances, try to be as calm and rational as possible and avoid making unrealistic threats.

Let your kids know how happy and proud you are for respecting the rules. Praise them for their smart decisions, good behavior and maturity. Instead of focusing on the wrong things your children do, emphasize more on what they do right. More praise than criticism can empower children and help make them feel good about themselves.

Some parents make the mistake of telling their children to do as they say and not as they do. They should set a good example to their children putting into practice what they preach. Talk is cheap if you don't walk it.

When making clear to your children your stand and enforcing rules about drug use, there should be free, open and honest communication between you and your children. They need to hear from you about the aftermaths of drug use so you need to firmly stress your stand that using illegal substances is condoned in the family and that they should be responsible for their actions. The conversation should be a two-way street and not a monologue. Much as you want to educate your children about drug use, allow them to express what they have in mind about the issue as well.

If you suspect or find that your teen is experimenting with with illegal substances, talk to him or her in the right approach. You may be angry, disappointed or sad if your suspicions are found to be true but becoming hostile is just not the way to go about it. If it means having to ask for help just to address the problem, then by all means, do so.

Starting the conversation may be difficult, especially when you acknowledge that you are aware that your s/he is using it. You may be in denial or start pinning the blame on yourself or other people. However, you should remember that these reactions will not do any good. What you should focus on is to figure out ways how you and your teen can be able to solve the problem.

Drug use continues to be a huge social problem. Your children can potentially become hapless victims unless you do something about it. Keep in mind that you are the parent and you need to be in charge. Be meaningful and straightforward when enforcing rules about drug use. Show your teen that you mean business because you care and that you only mean well. Your children are more likely to take care of themselves when you do.