@drwilloughjenkins: What If I Said You Don’t Actually Talk to Your Teen First? The conversation about substance messaging needs to happen between parents first. Here’s why this matters and how to do it. All* parents want what’s best for their kids. That’s your opening. The gap isn’t about intention. It’s about alignment. When a parent uses substances themselves, they can feel defensive the moment it comes up. That defensiveness shuts down the conversation before it starts. Give space before you dive in. You don’t need to ambush this at dinner. A simple text or quiet moment: “I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind.” That preamble lets him know it’s coming. It prevents that fight-or-flight response that kills productive conversation. Make it crystal clear: this isn’t about his use. “This isn’t about what you do as an adult. This is about the message our daughter is hearing from us. I know we both want her to make safe choices, so that happens when she hears the same thing from both of us.” Why clear expectations matter for teens. Being aligned on marijuana use protects your teen’s developing brain. Teen marijuana use affects memory, attention, and motivation. Clear parental messaging reduces teen use by up to 40%. Most importantly, teens whose parents set clear expectations around substances are less likely to use them. Frame it as a team effort. “I need your help making sure we’re consistent. What does that look like for you?” This shifts it from you telling him what to do toward solving a problem together. Defensiveness is normal when substance use comes up. Expect it. Don’t take it as rejection of the conversation. It often means you need to slow down, reassure, and circle back when he’s had time to sit with it. The consistency your teen needs starts with the two of you first. For more facts on how marijuana affects teen brains, check out the carousel I posted. #parentingteens #positiveparenting #parenting #parentingadvice #parentingsupport

Dr Willough Psychiatrist

Open In TikTok:

Region: BR

Thursday 10 September 2026 22:00:44 GMT