Things you do as you pass this time at home may become long-term habits. They can be good habits – or bad habits that will be hard to break later. 

Times of stress and uncertainty can lead to poor choices.

Take time to take care of yourself.

Check in with yourself:

• Am I eating more often?
• What kinds of foods am I eating?
• Am I exercising? As often?
• Am I spending quality time with
  my family?
• Am I spending too much time online?
• Am I drinking alcohol more? 
• Am I vaping? More? Around others?

What habits can I develop?

Resources

What habits
are you
building?

While at home,
we're building habits.

• Remember: Parents are the #1 reason that kids choose not to use drugs.
• Start young and make talking about it a regular habit. 
• Find the right times for relaxed conversations that won't be interrupted. If sitting at the family dinner table feels too intense, try talking while driving, walking the dog or cooking together. 
• Comment on media stories and popular culture news. Frame it as a health issue. Start the conversation in ways your child can relate to. 
• Listen. Be patient. 
• Be clear about your expectations for them to make healthy choices. 
• Ask open ended questions, not intrusive or blaming. “What would you do if a friend offered you...?” Focus on ‘what if’ questions and what they could say or do. Be informed and answer questions. See the Resources above.

While at home together, take time to talk with your children about healthy choices.

Tips for talking with your kids about vaping, drugs and alcohol: