The Awkward Talk: Found your kid using drugs? Here's how to talk to them

If you have found your kid using drugs, it is important to approach the situation with a calm mind.

It is necessary for the parent or caregiver to let the child know that you may disapprove of the habit but you are open to listening to them, says Shamin Mehrotra, Mental Health Therapist and Co-founder, Narrative Practices India.

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Make the conversation about what is scaring you as a parent. Mehrotra advises using statements like 'I am really worried because this might happen...' or 'I am really concerned...' rather than saying 'You have disappointed me...' and so on.

SEE MORE How to start the 'drug conversation' with your kids?

The moment you start the conversation with a 'you' statement, you are putting the child on the defence and they are only listening to you to argue back versus actually trying to understand your perspective.