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Raising Teens

Parent Up hosts FREE Fall Workshop Series for Parents & Caregivers!

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Join Parent Up and Beacon Mental Health for an engaging lineup of free educational sessions designed to support parents and caregivers of youth in the Northland. With options to tune in over lunch or in the evening, these sessions will help you strengthen your connection with your child and update your parenting tools for today’s challenges. All sessions are hosted by Beacon Mental Health and Parent Up.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Making Meaningful Connections

How can you create a space for care and conversation as a trusted adult? Learn about current social media trends in youth and what mental health experiences are beginning to emerge at pivotal times of a child’s life. This will be a session about creating intentional relationships!

 

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Youth Mental Health First Aid

In Youth Mental Health First Aid training participants will learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorder in youth. Training is offered throughout the year, or private training for schools of 15 or more are available by request. Preregistration required and a certificate is provided upon completion.

 

  • Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
  • Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm 
  • Location: Beacon Mental Health
  • For questions or to register, contact Jeanene at jeanene@beaconmh.org.

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Parent Up: A Parent's Guide to Prevention

As parents, we invest a lot of energy into safeguarding our children— baby gates, seat belts, sunscreen, and more. But as our kids grow from age 8 to age 18, and their risks evolve, so too must our strategies and boundaries. Parents, we’ll equip you with the latest knowledge, effective communication strategies, and supportive resources to help kids avoid substance use and other risky behaviors. 

 

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Roots of Resilience

Resilience is the ability to prepare for, cope with, and grow through hardships. Building the resilience and strength of our families is one of the most impactful investments we can make in our community. This presentation explores the science of stress and adversity – both the positive and the toxic – and equips attendees with actions so we can build resilient children, families and communities.

 

Wednesday, October 10, 2026

Grow Strong Game Plan: Supporting Our Student Athletes

This session explores local youth mental health data and substance use trends, the connection between mental health and substance use, and the powerful role caring adults play in prevention. Learn how to support your student athlete’s mental and physical well-being, build resilience, and encourage healthy decision-making.

 

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

The Brain Explained

Using fun analogies and simple models, learn more about what’s going on in a child’s brain as they develop. This presentation empowers and equips adults with tangible tools and language to protect and promote healthy lifestyles for their youth. 

 

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Preventing A New Generation of Addiction

Amid misinformation and the rise of vaping, high-potency THC, and fentanyl, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This session breaks down the facts, helps you recognize warning signs, and offers guidance for having meaningful conversations with your child.

 

Tuesday, November 17, 2026

Gather Around: Coming to the Table to Support Youth Wellbeing

Life gets busy, but supporting your child’s wellbeing doesn’t require big changes. Learn how simple, consistent moments like sharing meals can strengthen connection and improve overall wellbeing. 

 

5 Easy Tips for Making a Homecoming Game Plan with Your Teen

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Homecoming is a big night for teens, and a little planning can help keep it fun and safe. Before your teen heads out, take a few minutes to talk through the plan, set expectations, and make sure they know what to do if things change.

Use these five easy steps to make your Homecoming Game Plan together:

1. Get All the Details

Know the plan before they go:

  • Where will they be?
  • Who will they be with?
  • What time will they be there?
  • Who is driving?
  • How can you reach them?

Agree on a curfew and have your teen check in when they get home.

2. Don’t Forget the After-Party

The dance may end, but the night usually doesn’t. Know what’s happening afterward and where. If your teen is going to someone’s house, connect with the parents and confirm that alcohol will not be available. If you’re able, consider hosting a safe after-party at your home.

3. Make Your No-Use Expectations Clear

Don’t assume your teen already knows where you stand. Say it out loud: “I expect you to stay alcohol- and drug-free tonight.”

 

Remind them not to use alcohol, marijuana, vapes, or other drugs and never to ride with someone who has been drinking or using substances. Clear expectations matter. When parents disapprove of underage substance use, teens listen.

4. Prepare for Peer Pressure

Give your teen a few responses they can pull out quickly if they’re offered alcohol, a vape, or another substance: “Not my thing.” “No thanks.” “Nah, I’m good.”

 

It might feel cheesy to practice, but having the words ready can make it easier to say no in the moment. Come up with a code word your teen can text you if they need help getting out of an uncomfortable or unsafe situation. The message can simply mean: “Come get me.”

5. Never Allow or Provide Alcohol to Minors

Here’s the good news: the large majority of Northland youth choose not to drink alcohol, and nearly all Northland parents do not allow minors to drink.

 

Providing alcohol to teens puts their safety, developing brains, and your family at risk. Protect teens from serious health, personal, and legal consequences by never providing or allowing alcohol use by minors.

 

If you know about an upcoming party where you reasonably suspect alcohol will be provided to minors, contact your local law enforcement agency’s non-emergency number. You can also anonymously send the Alcohol Parent Up Warning Letter to the adults at the residence.

Homecoming should be fun. The goal isn’t to ruin the night with rules. It’s to make sure your teen has a plan, knows your expectations, and knows you’ll be there if they need you.

 

Take ten minutes to make the plan. Then let them go have a great night and come home safely.

- Parent Up KC Staff

More to Explore:

  • Learn more and find free tools and resources on our Alcohol page
  • Check out our Prevent Use page to learn more about what parents can do to prevent underage drinking, marijuana use, and more
  • Read more Parent Up Insights

How to Protect Our Kids from Deadly Fake Pills

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In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s more crucial than ever to stay informed about the dangers that can impact our kids and teens.

 

Two of those dangers are fentanyl and xylazine: Substances that are being put into pills that appear to be prescription or legitimate medicines, but are actually illegal counterfeit pills that can be deadly. 

 

Deaths caused by these poisonings are rising, which has led to the increase of unexpected loss of teens and young people in our Kansas City communities.

 

Fentanyl and xylazine are in our state, our city, and our communities. As adults, we need to take action today to protect our kids from these fake pills laced with lethal substances.

Continue reading to find out which pill is fake below. Photo from DEA.gov.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic (man-made) opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Only 2 milligrams of fentanyl, just a few grains of sand, can be fatal to an adult.

 

This deadly drug cannot be detected by sight, smell, or taste. It can be impossible to tell if a pill is real or fake just by looking at it. Recent DEA lab tests revealed that 7 out of every 10 pills with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose.

 

This deadly drug is used by illegal drug makers to create fake pills that look like real medication. Prescription pills purchased online are often fakes made with fentanyl. Because of this, our kids may encounter fentanyl anywhere – online, at school, or on the street.

Two miligrams of fentanyl, a lethal amount for most adults. Photo from DEA.gov.

What is Xylazine?

Xylazine is a non-opioid tranquilizer used in veterinary medicine, and is not approved for use in humans. It is often mixed with other drugs, most commonly fentanyl, to either enhance drug effects or increase street value by increasing weight. Like fentanyl, this drug is put into fake pills that look like legitimate pills by illegal drug makers. Prescription pills purchased online are often fakes made with fentanyl, and increasingly, xylazine as well. In fact, Missouri experienced a 180% increase in xylazine-related deaths from 39 deaths in 2021 to 109 in 2022.

The most worrying aspect of xylazine is that because it is not an opioid, life-saving Naloxone does not work on xylazine. However, it’s important to note that because xylazine is often used with opioids like fentanyl, naloxone should still be given for any suspected drug overdose or poisoning.

Local law enforcement has pulled together a drug task force to address supply and track down those that sell these incredibly dangerous substances and fake pills. The DEA is working these cases too and urging the media to get the word out.

How might our teens encounter these fake pills?

While it might be difficult to imagine your teen would ever experiment with pills, it’s important to acknowledge the very real reasons why teens may encounter or seek out pills:

  • The teen brain is experiencing every emotion very intensely as it grows and develops rapidly. Some teens may turn to pills to cope with stress, anxiety or depression.
  • Teens might be feeling pressure to excel in school or sports, and some may believe that pills can help boost their academic or athletic performance.
  • The teen brain is hard-wired to take risks. Some teens might experiment with pills to fulfill risk-seeking urges.
  • Some teens may think: “It’s medicine, so it can’t hurt me, right?” This misunderstanding of the dangers of taking pills not prescribed to them might give the false impression that it’s safe to try, especially if they see their family or friends doing so. 

If our kids are not warned, and given the support they need, they may think pills are the solution to their problems. The majority of teens and young adults who report misuse of prescription pills are buying or getting them from friends, family, and even acquaintances over Snapchat and other apps popular with teens. To teens, these are seemingly harmless transactions for a pill – maybe a “study drug” or “sleeping pill,” but they could lead – and have led to – unimaginably tragic consequences in our communities.

It can be impossible to tell if a pill is real or fake just by looking at it. Photo from DEA.gov.

What Can We Do to Protect Our Kids?

Our goal at Parent Up is to support parents and caregivers in their efforts to keep kids from engaging in substance use. By taking steps to reduce pill misuse, we can reduce the likelihood that our teens would take a potentially fatal pill laced with fentanyl or xylazine in the future. We encourage parents and caregivers to use our 4Cs to prevent pill misuse in youth:

  • CARE: Educate yourself about the harmful effects of pill misuse, especially for kids and teens. Check out our Prescription Drugs page to start! We break down the most commonly misused prescription drugs by teens, the risks, and the warning signs to look for. We also have free helpful tools and resources for you to download, print, and share.
  • CONNECT: Connection is key to prevention! Kids who have stable, healthy relationships with adults are more likely to make safer decisions and live healthier lives. Learn more about simple ways to connect with your kids every day by watching this 14-minute TED Talk. Learn more about the amazing value of having regular family meals together by visiting our Meaningful Meals page.
  • COMMUNICATE: Talk to your child early and often about medication safety and have specific conversations about the dangers of misusing pills. Emphasize to teens and kids that they should never share their prescription pills with anyone and to never take anyone else’s pills. Take a strong stance against using any substance, including pills, to deal with your problems. 
    • Let your child know you will help them if they are seeking relief from anxiety or depression. Discuss the steps to legally and safely obtain appropriate medications from a doctor, if needed. Assure your child that their mental well-being is a priority and that they have options for relief other than taking matters into their own hands.
    • Practice what to say if they are offered something. These roleplays let your child know you support them and help give them confidence if a situation arises where they need to say “no.” You can also work with your teen to come up with a code word to text you if they feel like they need your help to get out of an unsafe situation.
  • CAREFUL ATTENTION: You know your child and what is or isn’t typical for them. Be on alert for changes in behaviors, friend groups, or attitudes. Take action if you see early warning signs of pill misuse. You can find these warning signs on our Prescription Drugs page.  
    • Keep track of which prescription medicines you have in your house and how many. Store prescriptions in a secure place only you know about. Don’t keep powerful prescription medicine in your bathroom medicine cabinet where just anyone can find it.
    • When you have unused, unwanted, or expired prescriptions, don’t keep them around your home. Keeping these types of medication out of the house entirely will drastically limit the serious risks to kids and teens! Dispose of these medicines at your nearest local dropbox location or make a plan for safe home disposal. 

Here are some other helpful resources too:

Click this image to download, print, and share our helpful fentanyl poisoning prevention handout!
Click this image to download, print, and share our helpful medicine safety handout!

Thank you for taking action today. Share this Insight and help protect area kids.

– Parent Up KC Staff

New School Year, New Opportunities to Connect & Protect!

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As backpacks are packed, schedules fill up, and classrooms welcome students back, the back-to-school season offers a valuable opportunity for parents & caregivers to reconnect with their kids & teens, establish healthy routines, and have meaningful conversations that can help protect them from the risks of nicotine & vaping (as well as other drugs). 😉

Connection is the Best Prevention

Our kids & teens face new experiences, friendships, and pressures every school year. While as parents we can’t control every situation our child encounters, what we can do is create a strong foundation through consistent connection.

 

Simple moments—sharing breakfast, driving to school, attending activities, or asking about their day—can help our kids feel supported and understood. When kids know they have trusted adults who listen without judgment, they are more likely to come to parents with questions or concerns.

 

Strong relationships are one of the most effective protective factors against risky behaviors, including nicotine use.

Why Talk about Nicotine & Vaping?

Youth are often exposed to messages that make vaping seem harmless or trendy. The reality is different.

 

Most all vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can harm the developing teen brain. And since our brains aren’t done developing until about age 25, nicotine can negatively impact attention, learning, memory, and mood. These vaping products have also been proven to contain other harmful substances like formaldehyde, nickel, tin, and lead.

 

Even if your child has never tried nicotine or vaping, conversations can help them recognize misleading information and prepare them to handle peer pressure.

Starting the Conversation Doesn't Have to Be Difficult

You don’t need  to have one long, serious discussion. In fact, shorter conversations over time are often more effective. Listen carefully to your child’s responses. Avoid lectures, and instead focus on understanding their perspective while sharing factual, age-appropriate information.

Try asking open-ended questions such as:

  • “What have you heard about nicotine at school?”
  • “Do kids your age ever talk about vaping?”
  • “What do you think makes vaping appealing to some teens?”
  • “How would you respond if someone offered you something with nicotine in it?”

Create a Home Environment that Encourages Healthy Choices

The beginning of the school year is also a great time to establish family expectations. Consider discussing your family’s values around health and making positive decisions. Let your child know they can always come to you if they feel pressured or make a mistake.

You can also:

  • Spend regular one-on-one time together
  • Stay involved in school and extracurricular activities
  • Encourage healthy friendships
  • Celebrate accomplishments, both big and small
  • Model healthy ways to manage stress

These everyday actions help build resilience and confidence.

Every Conversation Matters

No parent has all the answers, and no single conversation guarantees a particular outcome. What matters most is creating an environment where communication and support are ongoing and your child feels safe talking with you.

 

This school year, make connection part of your family’s back-to-school routine! A few extra minutes spent listening, encouraging, and talking openly can make a lasting difference in your child’s health and well-being.

 

As the new school year begins, remember that your relationship with your child is one of the most powerful tools you have! By staying connected and starting conversations early about nicotine and vaping, you can help them build the confidence and knowledge they need to make healthy choices now and in the future.

- Parent Up KC Staff

More to Check Out:

  • Learn more and find free tools and resources on our Nicotine page 
  • Check out our Prevent Use page to learn more about what parents can do to prevent underage drinking, marijuana use, and more
  • Read more Parent Up Insights

9 Ways to Root Your Family in Resilience

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As parents or caregivers, we know you want the best for your kids and hope that they get to stay in their carefree kid phase for as long as possible. The reality, though, is that kids DO face challenges. As parents and caregivers, you play a crucial role in helping your kids develop the resilience to overcome those challenges!

What is Resilience?

According to the American Psychological Association, resilience is the ability to adapt well to adversity, trauma, tragedy, or significant sources of stress. It is a tool to help manage uncomfortable feelings such as anxiety, uncertainty, or stress. Resilient kids are better equipped to handle the everyday challenges of life and cope with problems they encounter.

 

And the good news? Resilience can be built in kids (and adults!) of all ages, starting at home.

9 Ways Families Can Root Kids in Resilience Starting NOW!

1. Give yourself (and your kids) grace. It’s safe to say that we all make mistakes. When we acknowledge mistakes, and talk about what can be learned from them, it lets our kids know that when they make mistakes or face challenges, it will be okay!

2. Provide structure for kids. Predictability and routine help make kids feel safe and give them purpose. Every second of your day doesn’t need to be planned out, but consider including things like morning and nighttime routines, blocks of time for school work or unstructured play, or even time set aside to plan/talk about what’s going on that day. Just as important as having routine, however, is to model flexibility. Our kids will be watching to see how we respond when we’re running late, as unplanned things pop up, and when life’s other common disruptions happen.

3. Practice your own self-care. Drink water, take breaks, maintain a consistent sleep schedule, move your body, color, read, do things you enjoy most. Taking care of yourself is essential for taking care of kids, and will help you and your child(ren) be better equipped to handle stress or challenges.

4. Model positive coping skills. Put words to your positive coping actions, for example:  “Whew, I am feeling stressed.  I’m going to take a walk. Want to come too?” If you find yourself reacting to a situation with a negative coping skill, talk with your child about how you would handle that differently next time and what they would do if they were ever feeling that way.

5. Find intentional moments to connect. A report from Harvard University suggests that the key to resilience in youth is one stable and committed relationship with a supportive adult. To build that connection, utilize meal times, car rides, or set aside time to just talk, play, and be together. Strengthening these relationships before challenging or stressful times can help ensure that your child has at least one person they feel comfortable talking to when those times do come.

6. Foster a sense of community. In addition to building connections with you, find places within your neighborhood, school, or larger community where your kids can feel connected to others. Whether that’s joining a club, volunteering, attending larger family gatherings, or even just hanging out with peers, building a community where they feel included can promote resilience in the long run.

7. Teach problem solving; don’t give answers. Sometimes it’s easier to give kids answers and solutions to small problems, because we’ve been there and done that! However, kids need that opportunity to build those skills and practice coming to a successful solution on their own. Try asking them questions that might lead them to a solution and build their confidence in solving small problems by themselves.

8. Move towards your goals. Model goal setting for yourself and help your child(ren) set reasonable goals. Setting goals can help kids feel a sense of control and as they accomplish those goals, building their confidence. In this process you’ll have the chance to help them identify stepping stones towards their goals, manage setbacks, evaluate their plans, and most importantly, celebrate successes big and small.

9. Choose an attitude of gratitude. Focusing on things you are grateful for is instant stress relief! With practice, focusing on gratitude can help build emotional resilience by encouraging us to focus on the positives instead of the negatives. You can model gratitude, especially in hard times, by saying things like “Even though this is hard, I’m glad we have each other for support.” 

Together, We Can Grow More Resilient Kids

Youth in our community have tremendous potential and we all benefit when this potential is realized! We are excited to partner with individuals, organizations, and various areas of our community to ensure that our actions support youth resilience and mental health. 

 

When we are intentional, and work together, we can ensure that ALL kids have the opportunity to thrive! Learn more about building resilience in your kids – and yourself – on our Roots of Resilience page! 

 

– Parent Up KC Staff

More Resources

What To Do if Other Adults Provide Alcohol to Minors

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Parent Up | What to do if...Other Adults Provide Alcohol to Minors

This month a local mom, Nancy B., describes a dilemma other parents and caregivers may relate to:

“There were two kids passed out on the couch.” This is what my son just told me. It was one of those special moments when my teenager actually opened up to me about his weekend and his friends. He was vulnerable, and I could tell that he was scared I was going to get really mad. I tried really hard to maintain composure, just listening, waiting for him to tell me more.

He explained that he didn’t drink but all his friends did, some of them drinking so much they passed out. I asked about the parents, and he shared that they were upstairs and they knew that everyone was drinking— it was the parents who bought the alcohol. Then he went quiet – he really didn’t want me to dislike those parents or his friends.

I consoled my son, thanking him for confiding in me and telling him I was so proud for not drinking. I told him that he can always call me if kids start drinking and I’d come get him ASAP. I gave him a hug.

Phew. My heart pounded as I left the conversation. On one hand, my kid was fine. He did the right thing and I’m so glad he was honest with me. On the other hand, I was furious that this parent provided alcohol to MY kid and his friends. Didn’t they know they were setting up kids for so many risks to their brain, body, and future?  

Alarming Stats

At Parent Up KC, we hear stories like this from parents too commonly. They’re angry that the providers of alcohol are other adults or parents who should know better.
The alarming truth is that kids in the Kansas City Northland rarely get alcohol from retailers; their source is usually older friends or family members.

 In the Missouri Student Survey conducted in 2024, 62.2% of adolescents claimed to have acquired alcohol through a friend, while 41.6% stated that they got alcohol through family members.

And while parents may think they’re doing the right thing because they’re “supervising” the situation, the reality is that they’re contributing to the problem – and worse – potentially causing harm. Research shows that teens whose parents provide alcohol – even with rules or supervision – are more likely to:

  • Drink more often
  • Drink more heavily
  • Experience alcohol-related harm

Providing alcohol does not protect teens and actually increases harm.

Now What?

As a parent, the steps you take today will have a profound impact on the health and future well-being of your children. That’s why it’s crucial to speak up and play a proactive role in preventing underage drinking. Parent Up provides a ton of resources for having conversations with your child about underage drinking so they’re more likely to make the right decision in the moment.

If you find yourself in a sticky situation similar to Nancy’s in the story above, you may feel conflicted on what to do.
Here are a few approaches you can take if you discover that other adults are providing alcohol or allowing underage drinking:

  • Contact the adults involved directly
  • Notify your child’s school or other parents
  • Contact local law enforcement’s non-emergency number

If you don’t feel comfortable taking these steps or they’re not the best options for your situation, we’ve created an anonymous warning letter you can send. It’s a sensitively written letter that informs the adult that it is known they provided alcohol to minors and outlines the dangers associated with underage drinking.

At Parent Up, our mission is to equip parents with facts, resources and tools to prevent underage drinking in the Northland. To learn more about what you can do to prevent underage drinking, check out our Prevent Alcohol Use page.

– Parent Up KC Staff

To the Parents of Our 2026 High School Graduates

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Parent Up | A Letter to the Parents of Our 2026 High School Graduates

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Graduation is upon us and it’s time to celebrate your child’s accomplishments and achievements! As you prepare to launch your child into adulthood, keep in mind that most kids value their parent’s advice when it comes to drugs and alcohol.

Parent Up is here with some reminders and action steps about how you can protect their celebration and their future:

  • Communicate with your teen that alcohol is bad for their brain and they should not drink before age 21. Drinking by those under age of 21 is strongly linked with increased risk for alcohol dependence later in life because the brain is still developing until the mid-twenties. Minors who drink are also more likely to use other drugs, have poorer academic performance, engage in risky sexual behaviors, and be injured or assaulted. Tell your child you don’t want them to risk their future, reputation, or safety, and you expect them to remain alcohol-free.
  • Create a game plan with your child so if they are offered alcohol, they know what to do. For example, help brainstorm excuses for saying no and develop a code word that your child can text you to let you know they are in a situation where they feel unsafe.
  • Stick with the majority of Northland parents that don’t provide alcohol or allow their child to drink, even on special occasions like graduation! Research shows that when parents allow, provide, or supervise teen drinking, it sends a false message that alcohol is safe for their underdeveloped brain.

By working together with your teen, expressing your concern for their health and safety, and setting clear and consistent expectations, you can ensure that this celebration is a positive memory they’ll have forever.

Congratulations to all the graduates of the class of 2026! And congratulations parents & caregivers!

Sincerely, Parent Up KC

Prom Is Coming! Parents Matter More Than You Think

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Parent Up | Prom is Coming! Parents Matter More Than You Know

Prom is one of the most exciting nights of high school:
Photos. Friends. Big plans. Big memories.

And while most teens in the Kansas City Northland celebrate safely without alcohol, prom season can bring added pressure and opportunity. After-parties and late nights can create situations where teens may be offered alcohol — even if they don’t typically drink.

Here’s what research tells us:

Parents still matter. A lot.

Teens who feel connected to their parents and know their family’s expectations are less likely to use alcohol — even in their later high school years. Clear rules and calm conversations go further than many parents realize.

You don’t need a long lecture. Just clarity, consistency, and connection.

Prom should be remembered for the right reasons. A few minutes of preparation now can make a big difference later.

👉 Take the 2026 Parent Up Prom Commitment and make your plan before prom night!

– Parent Up KC Staff

4 Simple Steps Parents Can Take Before Prom Night

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Prom safety doesn’t require perfection — just intention.

Before prom weekend, consider taking these four simple steps:

  1. Have a calm, clear conversation.
     Let your teen know your expectations around alcohol and other substances.

  2. Ask about the details.
     Who will they be with? Where are they going after? Who is driving? What time will they be home?

  3. Make a safety plan.
     What should they do if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe? Who should they text or call?

  4. Reinforce the norm.
     Most teens don’t drink — and most parents don’t provide alcohol. Remind your teen they’re in the majority when they choose not to drink.

Small actions make a big difference — especially during high-risk events like prom.

👉 Take five minutes to complete the 2026 Parent Up Prom Commitment and help make this prom season safe, memorable, and alcohol-free!

– Parent Up KC Staff

How To Talk To Teens About Marijuana: What Works

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As parents and caregivers, we all want to protect our kids and help them grow into healthy, confident adults. When it comes to marijuana—also known as cannabis, THC, weed, or pot — one thing is clear:

No amount of marijuana use is safe for youth.

Today’s marijuana is more widely available and much stronger than it used to be, and teens’ developing brains are especially vulnerable. Research shows that marijuana use during adolescence can affect learning, memory, attention, mental health, and even increase the risk of addiction. 

That can feel overwhelming—but here’s the encouraging news: your voice truly matters. Teens who learn about marijuana from their parents or caregivers, and who clearly understand family expectations, are half as likely to ever use marijuana or other drugs compared to their peers.

At Parent Up, we know parents and caring adults are the most powerful influence in preventing youth marijuana use. With the right approach, your conversations can build trust, confidence, and protection with your child — not conflict.

Set the Stage for Meaningful Conversations

Before you begin, start by trying to put yourself in your teen’s shoes. Think about how you would want to be approached on a tough topic. Aim to stay calm, open, and respectful. When we lead with curiosity instead of judgment, teens are far more likely to talk — and listen.

Ask open-ended questions:

  • What have you heard about marijuana?
  • What do kids at school say about it?
  • What do you think about it?

Listening first helps you understand where your teen is coming from and shows them that their thoughts matter. Conversations work best when they feel like a discussion, not a lecture.

At the same time, it’s important to be clear. You can be open-minded and firm. Let your teen know that because you care about their safety, health, and future, you don’t approve of marijuana use in any form. Clear expectations help teens feel supported and give them confidence to make safer choices—especially when faced with pressure.

Keep the Conversations Going

One of the most effective tools parents have is frequency. Talk often and casually. Conversations don’t have to be long or serious to be meaningful. Everyday moments work best: driving in the car, taking a walk, cooking dinner, or watching a show together.

Sometimes the environment offers an easy opening—passing a smoke shop, hearing something in the news, or seeing drug use portrayed in a movie. These moments can help conversations feel natural and less intimidating, and keep communication open over time.

Helpful Things You Can Say

You don’t need a perfect script. Simple, honest statements can go a long way:

  • “There’s a lot of information out there about marijuana, but I want you to come to me if you have questions.”
  • “If you’re worried about friends using marijuana, let me know—we can talk about it.”
    (In Missouri, more than 25% of youth report having at least one friend who uses marijuana.)
  • “I want you to know it’s not okay for kids to use marijuana—it’s illegal and not safe.”
  • “Your brain is still growing into your mid-20s, and marijuana can interfere with that growth.”

These messages communicate care, clarity, and trust—all at the same time.

Worried about Pushback?

Here are some ways to address some of the most common things teens might say:

What Your Teen Might Say: How You Can Respond:
"Ugh, again?! We've already talked about this!" “Yeah, I know we have, but it’s important to me that you know where I’m coming from and why I expect you to be drug-free. I care about you and love you. I want what’s best for your growing brain and body, so I’m going to check in with you sometimes or remind you of our rules because they keep you safe. I know you’re facing a lot of choices as you grow up and I want you to know where I stand.”
"Weed is safer than alcohol." “I’m not surprised to hear you say that because many people think that. But the fact is, there is no amount of safe drug use as a teen. Your brain and body are growing so much right now, and using any drugs during this time can have long term impacts on your brain and your health. Using marijuana as a teenager can also put you at greater risk of car accidents and making poor choices about sex or other drug use.”
“Marijuana is legal here now. Why would it be legal if it’s harmful?” “Many things are legal that can harm people, and especially kids and teens, like tobacco or alcohol. In fact, any drugs - including marijuana - can be more harmful to you than adults because you’re at a stage in life where your brain and body are growing so fast that it leaves you more vulnerable to addiction and the other harmful consequences of drug use.”
“I hear kids at school saying it’s from nature, so it can’t be harmful.” “I get that, but when you really think about it, that doesn’t make much sense. There are many natural plants that are harmful to humans like poison ivy, tobacco, and heroin, which is made from poppy flowers. Just because someone says it’s ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it isn’t harmful.”
“Did you smoke weed when you were younger?” {Answer with the truth, but bring it back to the present.} “Marijuana was a much less potent substance when I was a kid and I am really not happy with the decisions that I/my peers made when I/they did smoke. When you’re high or stoned, the ability to make good decisions is questionable and because today's marijuana is so strong, the risk is just too high.”
“My friend only smokes weed on the weekends and he’s fine.” “I am glad your friend isn’t using it throughout the week, but I am worried because using any drug during the teen years can be really harmful to your brain. I don’t want you to do anything that can be harmful, that’s why I expect you to not use cannabis.”

More Support for Parents & Caregivers

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Parent Up offers:

You are Your Teen’s Greatest Protection

Talking with your teen about marijuana may not always feel easy—but it is one of the most powerful things you can do to protect them. Your consistency, honesty, and presence make a real difference. Every conversation, no matter how small, helps build trust and strengthens your teen’s ability to make healthy choices.

You are your child’s greatest protection. And Parent Up is here to support you every step of the way.

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