Talking to your kids can help them choose not to use alcohol or drugs.

The message is simple, but true. Parents can help reduce teen alcohol and drug use by talking with their kids. It’s best to talk before they start using and update the message as they get older, but it’s never too late to start talking.

Being afraid to talk or avoiding the topic because you think your child will take more of an interest in drugs or alcohol won’t prevent him/her from trying these substances. Research has shown that when parents clearly express that "It's not OK with me if you drink or smoke" and then explain why, kids are less likely to use drugs or alcohol.

In fact, Maine Township High School students who said their family has clear rules and their parents think it's wrong for them to drink alcohol or use drugs reported higher avoidance of alcohol and marijuana than students who report otherwise.

More parents in Maine Township are talking to their teens about NOT using alcohol. According to the Illinois Youth Survey from 2009 to 2010, more students reported that their parents had talked to them about not drinking. For the same time period, alcohol use was down 7.6 percent among high school age youth in Maine Township.

When parents talk, kids really do listen. If you don’t know what to say or how to say it, we can help. See www.mcyaf.com for helpful ideas.