At SHARE, we believe in supporting positive relationships between parents and teenagers.  Creating and/or taking the opportunities to talk with our youth are key components to support them to successfully navigating the teenage years.  Below is a list of the “top 5’ ways to talk with youth about substance use:

1.  Create opportunities for regular communication with your youth.

2.  Be a good listener and acknowledge your youth’s point of view.

3.  Be direct and honest about your fears regarding substance use and youth..

4.  Clarify your own beliefs/values and be clear with your youth about expectations and limits.

5.  Educate yourself with accurate, unbiased information about substances and their use.

*sourced from Centre for Addictions Research of B.C.

Recommended websites for more information about substances and talking to your teens:

www.heretohelp.bc.ca

www.ades.bc.ca

www.carbc.ca

www.asaba.com/default.asp

For local program information and services contact SHARE’s Community and School Based Prevention Workers:  Karen O’Brien, Riverside Secondary, 604-941-6053 ext. 255

                                  Alison Shields, Centennial Secondary, 604-936-7205 ext. 168