How to Talk to Teens About Marijuana - So They Actually Listen

Learn how to talk to teens about marijuana in an effective way that works. Effective means that they actually listen, your delivery method worked. If you don't make an effective presentation, they won't listen. However, if you do the research and talk to them like the intelligent adults that they are growing into, they WILL listen.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet
• Printer
• Calendar

1. Make an appointment with your teenager to talk.
   
   When you make an appointment with your teen it shows them that you respect them and understand their time is valuable - that "they have a life too." It also expresses that the topic is important.
   
   It will be a good idea to make the appointment at a time that will not cause any interruptions, meaning not before a date they might have, a big game, a movie, etc. Pick a time that they will have some alone time to think about the talk - the information you will present.
   
   Talking over food or at a quiet restaurant might be a good idea - this is what investment managers do when trying to land a million dollar client - if it works to get someone to hand over the care of millions of dollars than it will work to get your child to listen. It works because the person feels important, valued, and respected.

2. Before the appointment, research into the negative effects of marijuana.
   
   Print out the studies that you can find online. Try to find the best sources, not a rewrite, but sources that either explain and break down the findings and the actual published research or news coverage of the research.
   
   Use sources like well known universities, newspapers, and research facilities. A teen will appreciate some research by a Yale professor rather than from an anti-drug campaign. Many teens will reject sources from anti-drug campaigns because the source starts with a bias in the teens minds. However, reputable colleges, research editorials, etc. will be of more value to an effective presentation to your teen.
   
   This shows that you did your research and are not just reacting to a commercial. The better the research, the more you express to your teenager that you find them growing into mature, intelligent adults capable of deciphering adult material and making good decisions. It is always best to start an effective presentation by respecting the other persons intelligent and insight.

3. Present the information and research to your teen at your appointment.
   
   An appointment will have a start time and an end time. This shows that you find the person's time, your teen, valuable. 1 hour to 2 hours is probably appropriate over a nice meal with appetizer, main course, and dessert. The more pleasant you make the experience, the more receptive your teenager will be to the information you present.

4. Present the information in a non-emotional manner.
   
   Share the research devoid of pride, an "I know more than you" or "I told you so" attitude.
   
   Think of how an excellent teacher, college professor, or doctor with a good bedside manner would present a diagnose. How would they present facts? They are calm, kind, and they make eye contact. Doctors will give you a diagnose, tell you the facts, share the treatment options, and then give you time alone to let it all sink in.
   
   Follow that pattern. Refrain from telling your teen what the right choice is. The research and information will speak for itself. If you tell your teen "what to do" then you insult their intelligent and the confidence in yourself on whether you raised an intelligent decision maker. Give them the information and then just let them simmer.

5. Ask your teenager if they would like to meet again in a month or so to talk more about this. Ask if they would like to do research themselves or if they would find more information helpful. It is possible to repeat this for other important issues or to continue talking about the what the new research is showing regarding marijuana and mental illness.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat your teenager like an adult and they will be more likely to act like an adult.
• You must give respect to a teenager usually before they will give you respect or listen to what you have to say.
• True adults and authorities KNOW how to give respect FIRST. No one like a boss or parent who is always stating "I am the authority." Those who are really in control, don't have to say it all the time. An orange tree does not have to shout that it is an orange tree.
• Refrain from getting emotional, yelling, criticizing, etc. Pretend that you are an investment manager presenting information on a stock investment to a client with a $100,000,000. If you present well, you will earn $1,000,000 when the deal is signed. With this picture in mind, you WILL act different and keep your cool. Treat your teen like they are intelligent and worth $1,000,000 and they will listen to what you have to say.

Resources

• Infrequent Use of Marijuana Increases Risk of Psychosis by 40 Percent
• Medical Aspects (or findings) of Marijuana Use
• Cannabis-related Schizophrenia Set To Rise, Say Researchers
• Study Finds Cannabis Triggers Transient Schizophrenia-like Symptoms
• Heath, Fitness, Fashion, Green Articles, and More by Heather Inks
• Convenient List of all Heather Inks' Articles on One Page
• Battlefield of the Mind for Teens - A Helpful Book to Prevent or Stop Drug Use by Teens Related to Peer Pressure Issues

[heatherinks]

on 9/22/2009 Thanks for the positive comments - sharing the truth with teens in a respectful manner is more effective than other methods. God bless.

[ramblin62]

on 9/4/2009 Wow! This is an incredibly important topic and you presented this great approach very well. Talking to teens about marajuana early on, with love, support, respect, and the facts is key. TX!

[heatherinks]

on 9/4/2009 Thanks for the positive feedback. This is such an important topic. God bless.

[elyria]

on 6/6/2009 Truly excellent article with great suggestions!

[heatherinks]

on 5/26/2009 The medication needed for a person who ends up having psychotic depression or another psychosis manifested due to marijuana use costs $500 to $1000 per bottle per month, depending on the prescription and whether a generic is available yet. So it is well worth it to teach people (teens and adults alike) the serious consequences, not just on health, but on their finances and medical and insurance costs too. God bless.