Talking About Safety and Healthy Choices
When you talk with your preschooler, keep things simple and clear. Young children are learning rules and often want to know what is “good” and what is “bad.”
You do not need to share a lot of details about alcohol or drugs. Instead, focus on:
- Teaching basic safety rules
- Building healthy habits
- Sharing your family values
Your actions matter. Kids learn by watching you.
Having the Conversation
It may feel early to talk about these topics, but this is a great time to build a strong foundation. Preschoolers are curious and ready to learn simple messages.
Look for everyday moments to talk. Keep your tone:
- Calm
- Simple
- Positive
Everyday Moments and What to Say
Reaching for an Alcoholic Drink
Situation: Your child reaches for a drink at a gathering.
Response:
“That is a grown-up drink. It is only for adults. You can have juice, milk, or water so your body can grow strong.”
Taking Vitamins
Situation: You give your child a daily vitamin.
Response:
“Vitamins help your body grow strong. You should only take the amount I give you. Too much can make you sick.”
Taking Medicine
Situation: Your child takes medicine or sees you taking it.
Response:
“Medicine helps when we are sick, but we only take it when a doctor says it is okay. Medicine is made just for you, so you should not take anyone else’s.”
Medicine That Looks Like Candy
Situation: Your child notices medicine that looks or tastes sweet.
Response:
“Some medicine looks like candy, but it is not candy. It can hurt you if you take too much or take it when you are not sick.”
Curiosity About Medicine Bottles
Situation: Your child asks about medicine in the home.
Response:
“You should only take medicine that is meant for you. If it belongs to someone else, it could make you very sick.”
Seeing Someone Smoke
Situation: Your child sees an adult smoking.
Response:
“Adults can make their own choices, but some choices are not healthy. Smoking can hurt the body and make it hard to stop.”
Key Reminders
- Keep messages short and simple
- Repeat rules often
- Use everyday moments to teach
- Be a positive role model
- Praise healthy choices
Starting these conversations early helps your child learn safe and healthy habits that will grow with them.
Substance Use, Safety & Prevention
“That’s something only adults are allowed to use. It’s not safe for kids’ bodies.”
“Some adults use things that can hurt their bodies. Kids’ bodies are still growing, so we keep them away.”
“We don’t pretend with things that can hurt bodies. Let’s choose a different way to play.”
“Medicine can help when a doctor gives it, but it can be dangerous if kids touch it. I’m going to put this away safely.”
“Medicine is only taken with a grown-up’s help. Your job is to tell me if you find it.”
“These might look like candy, but they aren’t. Only grown-ups give medicine.”
“Those are not safe for your body. They stay up high and locked.”
“Some jobs are for adults because they can hurt kids’ bodies. You can help in a safe way.”
“That’s an adult drink. Kids have water or juice because their bodies are still growing.”
“Some adults choose drinks that aren’t safe for kids. Grown-ups are responsible for keeping kids safe.”
“We don’t pretend with adult drinks. Let’s use pretend juice instead.”
“That’s not safe. Thank you for telling me—your job is to get an adult.”
“It can hurt bodies and cause fires. You did the right thing by stopping.”