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Raising Tweens

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.

5 Urgent Reasons to Keep Our Kids Marijuana-Free

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As parents and caring adults, we all want our kids to grow up healthy, happy, and confident about their futures. But with today’s marijuana products becoming stronger and more accessible, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and proactive.

Whether you hear it called marijuana, THC, cannabis, weed, or pot — one fact remains:

No amount of marijuana use is safe for youth.

Because the brain continues developing well into a person’s mid-20s, young people are especially vulnerable to marijuana’s effects on brain growth, learning, and mental health.

In fact, 90% of Americans who struggle with addiction today started using alcohol or other drugs during their teen years. Early prevention truly matters — and your guidance can make all the difference.

Here are five key reasons why keeping youth marijuana-free helps protect their health, safety, and future success:

1. Today's Marijuana is Much Stronger Than Before

Marijuana today is not the same as what existed decades ago. THC — the chemical responsible for the “high” — has risen dramatically in strength. While marijuana in the 1960s contained only about 1–4% THC, dispensaries now sell marijuana products averaging 18–23% THC, with some strains testing over 30%.

Even more concerning are concentrated forms like dabs, waxes, oils, and vapes, which can contain anywhere from 40% to over 80% THC. These highly potent products can trigger anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis — and the risk of addiction rises along with the dose.

Because these products aren’t regulated by the FDA, there’s no oversight on their safety or potency. Keeping teens marijuana-free helps protect their developing brains from these increasingly powerful and unpredictable substances.

2. Marijuana, Like Other Drugs, Can Be Addictive

It’s a common misconception that marijuana isn’t addictive, but science tells a different story. About 1 in 10 people who use marijuana will develop an addiction — and for those who start before age 18, the risk jumps to 1 in 6.

Teens are particularly at risk because their brains are still learning and forming habits. Just as it’s easier for young minds to learn an instrument or new language, it’s also easier for them to develop dependencies. Early marijuana use can also raise the likelihood of future substance use.

Helping youth stay marijuana-free is one of the strongest ways we can protect them from addiction.

3. Marijuana Use Harms Teen Mental Health

We know how much today’s teens are navigating — stress, peer pressure, and anxiety are real challenges. Some might turn to marijuana thinking it will help them relax, but research shows it can actually make things worse.

Regular marijuana use, especially with high-THC products, can interfere with emotional growth and make it harder for teens to cope with stress in healthy ways. Studies have linked teen marijuana use to higher rates of depression, anxiety, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts.

Our kids’ mental health is precious — and keeping them marijuana-free helps protect their ability to think clearly, feel deeply, and manage life’s challenges in positive, lasting ways.

4. Marijuana Use Harms Learning & School Success

Teen brains are wired for growth, curiosity, and learning — which makes these years so important. But marijuana use can interrupt this development, leading to problems with memory, attention, and motivation.

Teens who use marijuana often have more trouble focusing in class, completing assignments, and solving problems. Over time, that can lead to lower grades and a higher risk of dropping out.

And the effects don’t just fade when the high wears off — marijuana’s impact on attention and memory can last for days or even weeks. Some studies even show lasting declines in IQ for those who start using as teens.

Protecting our kids from marijuana use helps them stay sharp, focused, and ready to reach their full potential.

5. Marijuana Use Makes Driving Dangerous

Learning to drive is one of the biggest milestones in a teen’s life — but it’s also one of the riskiest times. Marijuana use slows reaction time, coordination, and judgment, making it dangerous behind the wheel. Combine that with an inexperienced driver, and the results can be tragic. 

Marijuana is the most common illegal drug found in drivers involved in deadly crashes, sometimes along with alcohol. Teens who use marijuana are also more likely to ride with someone who’s impaired, putting themselves at risk even if they aren’t the driver.

We can help keep them safe by setting clear expectations: Don’t drive high, and don’t ride with someone who is.

How We Can Keep Youth Marijuana-Free

Parents, the good news is that marijuana use among youth in the Northland is currently low — and together, we can keep it that way! Here’s how:

💬 Set clear expectations

Let your teen know you care deeply about their health and want them to stay marijuana-free. Clear, loving boundaries make a difference.

🧠 Keep the conversation open

Ask what your teen has heard about marijuana and share the facts calmly and honestly. Make sure they know they can come to you — or another trusted adult — with questions or concerns about anxiety, stress, or peer pressure.

💪 Prepare kids for peer pressure

Role-play scenarios so your teen feels confident saying “no.” Create a code word they can text you if they need help leaving an unsafe situation.

👀 Stay alert to changes

Watch for warning signs like red eyes, dropping grades, new friend groups, or shifts in mood. If you’re concerned, reach out for help early — support and resources are available.

Safeguarding our kids’ well-being is one of the most important things we can do — and you’re not alone in it. The potency of today’s marijuana, its addictive nature, and its effects on developing brains all underscore why prevention matters so much.

💛 Together, we can protect our kids, prevent addiction, and help them grow into strong, healthy adults.

Visit our Marijuana page for free resources, conversation guides, and support for parents and caregivers.

We Know How to Fight This: Flavored Marijuana

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If it feels like vaping is suddenly everywhere, you’re not imagining it.

Local reports and data from this past year show a sharp rise in the number of kids—especially middle schoolers—vaping flavored marijuana (cannabis).

The sweet flavors can make these products seem harmless, but experts warn that they’re driving addiction and causing real problems at school, with friends, and at home.

Photo credit: news.umich.edu

As a parent or caregiver, that can feel overwhelming. But here’s the encouraging part: we know how to fight this.
Twenty-five years ago, more than a third of teens smoked cigarettes. Today? That number is down to just 3%. 

Cigarettes didn’t vanish—our approach changed. Parents, schools, and entire communities came together to reshape policies, expectations, and conversations. And it worked. We can do the same thing with vaping marijuana.

Three Powerful Ways Parents Can Help

You don’t need a long script or special training. What matters most is staying engaged, connected, and clear with your kids:

1. Talk Often
 Regular, short, and honest conversations are far more effective than a single “big talk.” Ask what your child is hearing at school. Share what you know. Keep the door open.

2. Be Clear About Expectations
 Kids actually want to know where you stand. Let your child know you don’t want them using marijuana in any form—including vaping. Clarity helps them make safer choices.

3. Stay Close
 A strong relationship with a caring adult is one of the biggest protective factors against substance use. Your presence, attention, and support truly matter.

You’re Not Alone

Parenting through a changing landscape of substances can feel tough, but you don’t have to navigate it by yourself.
Parent Up offers tools, conversation starters, and resources to help you open these discussions and keep them going.

Together – just like we did with cigarettes – we can protect our kids and create healthier futures.

What’s Next:

– Parent Up Staff

5 Ways to Keep Our Kids Marijuana-Free

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As parents and caregivers, we want nothing more than to see our kids happy, healthy, and thriving. But today’s marijuana is far stronger than it used to be, and teens’ still-developing brains are especially vulnerable. Marijuana use can impact our teens’ mental health, learning, and safe driving. And because 90% of Americans who struggle with addiction began using substances as teens, early prevention is key!

Here’s the encouraging part: a strong, caring relationship with you is one of the most powerful protections your child has.

Your presence, your voice, and your guidance genuinely make a difference. Here are four supportive steps you can take:

1. Talk Often

Frequent, low-pressure conversations help more than one big, intimidating talk. Ask your child what they’ve heard about marijuana at school or online. Stay curious, listen without judgment, and share what you know in age-appropriate ways. Most importantly, let them know they can always come to you (or another trusted adult) if they’re feeling stressed, pressured, or anxious. Keeping that door open builds trust.

2. Be Clear about Expectations

Kids actually want to know where you stand, and clear boundaries and expectations help kids feel safe and supported. Let your child know you don’t want them using marijuana in any form—including vaping and edibles. Let your kids know that any substance use – including marijuana use – is harmful to their growing brains, and you care about their mental health and well-being. Your clarity helps them to make safer choices.

3. Prepare for Peer Pressure

Even strong kids can get caught off guard. Practice simple “no thanks” responses together and brainstorm what they might say if someone offers them marijuana. Consider creating a family code word they can text you if they need help getting out of an unsafe situation — like if someone they’re riding with is about to drive high. These conversations send a powerful message: I trust you, and I’ve got your back.

4. Stay Close

The time you spend with your child — even 20 minutes over a snack or a quick daily check-in — builds connection and resilience. Feeling seen and supported by a caring adult is one of the strongest protective factors against all substance use! Your steady presence has more impact than you may realize!

5. Know the Signs

You know your child better than anyone. If you notice changes in behavior, mood, or friend groups, trust that insight. Warning signs of marijuana use may include:

  • Red or glassy eyes
  • Slurred speech
  • Dry mouth
  • A “skunky” smell
  • Anxiety or irritability
  • Drop in grades
  • Quitting hobbies or activities
  • Difficulty thinking or problem-solving

If something feels “off,” reach out for help. Support is available, and early action can make a huge difference.

You are your child’s greatest protection.

Your love, clarity, and everyday presence give them the strength and confidence to make healthy choices — now and for years to come. You’re not alone in this, and the steps you take today truly matter.

Parent Up is here to help!

Parenting: The Quiet Heartbreak of Doing Your Best

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Miranda Jamison is a local parent and the lead reporter for The Richmond News and The Excelsior Springs Standard. She covers everything from local government and education to the people and events that make small-town Missouri thrive. 

Passionate about storytelling, Miranda strives to write pieces that inform, connect, and inspire her community. When she’s not covering a meeting or writing a feature, she enjoys time with her daughter, Aurora, who inspires much of the heart behind her work.

Parenting doesn’t always break your heart in loud or dramatic ways.

Most of the time, it’s quieter. It happens when the house is still, the workday feels endless and you suddenly realize your child has been waiting for you to notice the time slipping by. It’s the kind of heartbreak that doesn’t come from a single moment but from the slow awareness that love, no matter how strong, sometimes gets buried beneath responsibility.

The other night, my daughter Aurora told me she feels like I am always working. She said when we go somewhere, it’s usually an event for my job, and that even when we’re home, I’m on my computer late into the night. Her voice wasn’t angry, just honest. To her, work had become the quiet wall between us.

Parents everywhere know that sinking feeling. You try to explain work isn’t a choice, it’s what keeps life running. You tell them it’s what allows the lights to stay on, the bills to be paid and the small joys to be possible. But no matter how carefully you explain it, the words never feel like enough. They sound like excuses when what they want most is your time.

That conversation with my daughter felt like a small knife in the chest, not because  she meant to hurt me but because she was right. It wasn’t about neglect or disinterest – it was about the cost of doing your best. Every parent tries to balance a dozen worlds at once and the guilt comes not from failing, but from realizing that success in one part of life can look like absence in another.

When she spoke, I saw years of late nights, phone calls during dinner and events blurring the line between personal and professional. To me, those moments were a sign of dedication. To her, they were evidence she didn’t have my full attention.

Both of us were right and both of us were hurting.

It’s easy to romanticize parenthood as a perfect story filled with laughter, bedtime hugs and shared adventures. What often gets left out is the moment when your child shares something, forcing you to see yourself more clearly. The part where your best intentions are overshadowed by regret. Parenting isn’t just love and patience, it’s constant recalibration.

After our talk, we sat in silence for a while. She leaned her head on my shoulder and neither of us said much. That silence was its own kind of understanding. It wasn’t forgiveness exactly, just a quiet truce between love and the world that keeps intruding on it.

Later that night, after she went to bed, I stared at the computer screen and wondered how many moments I had traded for another hour of work. The thought wasn’t about guilt, exactly. It was about recognition. The realization I had been moving too fast to notice the small things she’d been missing.

The truth is, working parents live with a constant tug-of-war. You want to provide stability, but that pursuit can start to erase the very presence your children crave. You tell yourself they’ll understand someday, when they’re grown and see the bills, deadlines and expectations. But what if the understanding never fully replaces the memory of distance?

 My daughter’s words echoed in my head long after she went to bed. “You’re always
 working.” Simple, but true. It reminded me that childhood moves quickly, while the work never ends. The emails will always come. The stories, the meetings, the demands – they refill faster than you can finish them.

But a child’s voice asking for your attention doesn’t stay young forever.

That night, I made a quiet promise to be more aware. Not to do more, or plan more, but to notice more. To pause before answering another email. To hear my daughter when she speaks, not just listen while thinking about what comes next.

Parenting rarely offers do-overs. It does give softer chances, though. Those small, unseen moments where we realize we’ve been running too fast to feel what matters. Awareness becomes its own kind of apology. It’s not about grand gestures or perfect balance. It’s about slowing down enough to let love be noticed.

Since that conversation, I’ve caught myself paying closer attention. The sound of her laughter, the stories she tells in half-sentences, the way her eyes light up when she’s proud of something. They’re ordinary things, easy to overlook, but they’ve started to feel like reminders that connection doesn’t demand time – it demands presence. 

Every parent carries the weight of two truths: that we work to give our children the best and that in doing so, we sometimes drift away from the very people we’re working for. We chase security, comfort, opportunity – all noble things – but in the process, we risk missing the quiet, unremarkable beauty of simply being there.

There’s no easy fix. Bills won’t disappear, jobs won’t slow down and the world won’t suddenly hand us more hours in a day. But maybe it’s not about finding more time. Maybe it’s about recognizing the time that already exists, tucked between moments we’ve convinced ourselves are too busy to matter.

Parenting doesn’t have a finish line or a final grade. There’s no scoreboard to tell you how you’re doing. Some nights you’ll feel like you’re failing and maybe that’s part of the work. The ache of it means you care deeply enough to notice the gap between what you give and what they need.

The heartbreak of parenting isn’t a sign of failure – it’s proof of love. It’s the quiet reminder that our hearts are tied to something we can’t control, something that grows and pulls away and depends on us, yet dreams of independence. It’s knowing every moment of closeness is temporary and love demands showing up anyway.

That night with my daughter subtly changed something in me. It didn’t eliminate responsibilities, but it shifted how I see them. Deadlines still matter, but sometimes the story can wait, and work can be paused.

Because in the end, children won’t remember how hard we worked. They’ll remember if we looked up. They’ll remember the warmth in our voice, laughter during late dinners and walks that didn’t have a purpose beyond being together.

It’s humbling to realize love and effort don’t always look the same from both sides. To a child, love looks like time. To a parent, love often looks like sacrifice. The hardest part of parenting is trying to show both at once and forgiving yourself when you fall short.

That’s what makes it heartbreaking. You can give everything you have and still wish you had given it differently. But even in that ache, there’s beauty.

Because every parent who feels that tug, that guilt, that deep want to do better – is already doing something right.

Love doesn’t demand perfection. It simply asks us to keep showing up, keep trying and never stop listening when our children remind us what truly matters.

Medicine Safety: Help Protect Kids Now & in the Future

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In light of the opioid epidemic and with fentanyl already in our communities, it’s more important than ever to teach our younger kids about medication safety. By being proactive now, we can reduce the number of accidental poisonings directly and lay a foundation to protect our kids well into their future.

It’s not too early to start with age-appropriate education about medicine safety. According to the Missouri Poison Center, students can begin to self-medicate around age 11. According to research, beginning preventative education with young elementary school children has been shown to reduce the likelihood of chronic substance use in high school, and communication is an essential part of keeping our children healthy and safe! 

Below are five actionable tips and practices about medicine safety we can implement now while our children are still young to help them make safe choices related to medicines when they grow up:

1. Teach your child that they should only take medicine from trusted adults. Make a list of who these people are and remind them of this often.

2. Model responsible medication safety by never sharing medications or using someone else’s medications. Continually reinforce this message with your child, explaining that they should never share medication or take someone else’s medication.

3. Keep medications in their original containers to avoid confusion with other medicines or candy. This is also important because each medication has its own dosage, warnings, and directions for use. One of the most common mistakes when it comes to medication is accidental double dosing.

4. Always store medicine in a safe place, such as a place only you know about or a high shelf that children can’t reach. Don’t keep medicine in your bathroom medicine cabinet where anyone can find it.

5. Participate in regular safe medication disposal. Keeping unused, unwanted, or expired medication out of the house entirely will drastically limit the risks to kids. This fall, the DEA’s Drug Take Back Day is on Saturday, October 25th, 2025, where people can safely dispose of their prescription pills. Find a list of our local drop boxes in the Kansas City Northland here that are open all year long.

Thank you for taking the time to have these conversations and reinforce these medication safety practices.

Give this article a share and help protect all kids in our communities!

 

– Parent Up KC Staff

More Resources:

Teen Vaping is Down, But Nicotine Use is Up – Here’s Why

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There’s a new nicotine trend taking hold among teens, and it’s not vaping. Usage of this product amongst high schoolers nearly doubled between 2023 and 2024, fueled by the aggressive marketing and the promise of being “tobacco-free.” 

Unfortunately, these small, flavored pouches are packed with potent doses of nicotine that make them highly addictive and especially harmful to teens who are intrigued by the discreet packaging, affordable price ($4-6 per pack), and accessibility. 

Many teens believe these products are safer than smoking or vaping, but the truth is nicotine pouches pose serious risks to youth health like addiction, brain development issues, and other long-term impacts.

What are Nicotine Pouches?

Nicotine pouches are compact, white packets that contain nicotine, flavorings, and other ingredients, but no tobacco. The pouch is tucked between a person’s lip or cheek where the nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucus membranes in the mouth. 

The pouches can be left in the mouth for 15 to 60 minutes, but there are no directions that explicitly share the instructions (seriously – try and find more specific directions for use. We’ll wait.) Because nicotine pouches do not produce smoke or vapor, they’re harder for parents to detect.

The nicotine in these products are either synthetic or derived from tobacco and can come in a variety of flavors. Typically, the nicotine pouches are sold in tins of 15 to 20 pouches and can be sold in a variety of nicotine strengths.

For example, the popular brand Zyn offers both 3 mg and 6 mg of nicotine per pouch. Other brands like Velo, Rogue, or On! can range from 2-30 mg per pouch!

The nicotine ingested from one 6 mg Zyn would be the equivalent to smoking 2-3 cigarettes, and users are not aware of the full nicotine amount in each pouch, which means some are using multiple pouches a day!​

American Lung Association

Here’s Why Nicotine Pouches Are Harmful to Youth

Nicotine pouches may seem like a safer alternative to smoking or vaping for teens who aren’t familiar with the health risks, but these pouches still deliver high doses of nicotine – a highly addictive and harmful substance, especially for teens with growing brains. 

Despite lacking tobacco, these products contain synthetic or purified nicotine that can disrupt brain development, harm learning and memory, and increase vulnerability to addiction, especially if there’s a family history of addiction. 

In fact, nicotine itself can damage the heart, increase heart rate and blood pressure, and harden arteries over time. Mental health isn’t spared either – mental health issues like anxiety, irritability, and mood swings can be increased by nicotine use.

Signs Your Teen Might Be Using Nicotine Pouches

Nicotine pouch use can be subtle, but there are warning signs:

  • Look for mood changes like irritability, anxiety, or restlessness, which may signal nicotine withdrawal
  • Physical symptoms like frequent  headaches, nausea, or dizziness without a clear cause can also be a clue
  • Finding small round tins, white gum-like pouches, or noticing fruity or minty smells may indicate use
  • Gum or mouth irritation is another possible sign

How to Talk to Your Teen About Nicotine Pouches

  • Get Prepared: You’ll want to share the physical and mental health risks of using nicotine with your child to support your stance. Here’s a quick recap of all we’ve discussed so far:
      • Nicotine is not safe for youth. Using nicotine during adolescence can:
      • Greatly increase the risk of addiction to nicotine, especially if there is a family history of addiction
      • Harm brain development, which continues until about age 25!
      • Negatively impact learning, memory, and attention now and into adulthood
      • Nicotine can increase mood swings, anxiety, and irritability

  • Set Expectations: You’ll want to explain your family rules about nicotine use to your child, including consequences, with consistency and care. Make sure you’re clear on these expectations and consequences yourself before talking to your child, so you can clearly explain them during your conversations. Find help with setting expectations here. 😉

  • Lead with Curiosity, Not Confrontation: Remember, the goal is to build and grow a relationship with your teen that is honest, trusting, and open – which is an important protective factor to safeguard them from nicotine and other substance use! 
      • Start your conversations calmly; practice refraining from judgement or anger
      • It’s more important – and effective– to listen and discuss rather than to lecture
      • Take a strong stance against teen nicotine use, expressing care and concern 
      • Be curious and open-minded about kids’ experiences: ask them what they think, know, or have heard about nicotine pouches (like Zyn) or if anyone at school uses them
      • Emphasize the health and independence of a no-nicotine lifestyle, which appeals to their sense of autonomy and long-term goals
      • Give your child the opportunity to ask you questions – even if you don’t know the answer, you can look into it together!
      • Keep the dialogue open and let them know they can come to you with more questions or for help

  • Talk Often!: Have regular conversations about your nicotine-free expectations, including cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine products like pouches, lozenges, and gum.
      • These conversations are more likely to be successful when they take place more casually like while driving in the car, taking a walk, or washing dishes after dinner
      • Taking advantage of these smaller moments and potential in-roads will help the conversation seem less threatening and more natural
      • Use the environment to spur conversation, like when you see an advertisement for nicotine pouches or other products, or watching a movie with your teen that shows nicotine use

What Else Can Parents Do?

  • Let your child know you will help them if they’re using nicotine to seek relief from anxiety, stress, etc. 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. Discuss the steps to legally and safely obtain appropriate medications from a doctor, if needed.
  • Prepare kids for peer pressure. It might sound cheesy, but these roleplays let your child know you support them and they do 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.
  • Find support from your child’s dentist, coaches, doctor, youth leaders, and teachers.
    Ask them if they can help support your nicotine-free expectations in their interactions with your child. Make the ask even easier by bringing a handout like this to refer to and leave with them. Building a village of support is so important to prevention, and can be especially crucial if you suspect your child may be using nicotine.
  • Support teens who want to quit nicotine without stigma or shame. If a teen you know wants to quit, they can get free, confidential support from a My Life My Quit coach at MO.MyLifeMyQuit.org. They can also text ‘Start My Quit’ to 36072. This local cessation resource sends them tips to help them quit nicotine for good.

The bottom line: No matter the device or method, nicotine is harmful for kids. Stay informed. Stay connected. Keep the conversation going. You’ve got this!

Parent Up KC

Discreet and Sweet: Steering Kids Clear of Fruity Nicotine Gum, Tablets, & Pouches

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There’s a new trend with teens, especially among those who have tried smoking or vaping: New fruity nicotine gums, tablets, pouches, and lozenges. Popular brands among teens include products from Zyn, Lucy, Rogue, Velo, Solace, On!, and Juice Head. These products may be small, but they pack an addictive nicotine punch. When powerful nicotine is mixed with fruity flavors, flashy marketing, and bright packaging, it’s no wonder kids fall prey.

Doesn’t this all sound familiar? Youth-friendly marketing and discreet delivery of highly concentrated nicotine is what landed the tobacco and vaping industry in hot water in the first place.

These fruity nicotine products are also very inexpensive compared to vaping products – generally under $6.00 – and teens see them as “less harmful” because they’re “tobacco-free.” These claims falsely imply these products are healthier and safer than vaping or smoking, when in reality the real threat to our youth is in the highly concentrated nicotine contained in these products.

Advertisements found on Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Nicotine-Lozenges-Cleaner-Alternative-Convenient/dp/B093JNFHSR and https://www.amazon.com/Nicotine-Count-Citrus-Berry-Alternative/dp/B09XWVKJV4)

When it comes to teens, addiction experts and prevention researchers agree: 

“Exposure to nicotine can interfere with healthy brain development among teens, worsen mood disorders and mental health problems, and affect their ability to learn and pay attention…It also puts them at increased risk of addiction to other substances, as well as other products containing nicotine.”

Zyn advertisement found at https://uk.zyn.com/. Velo advertisement found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsbCQST4qRM.
Rogue ad proudly displayed on designer's website at https://fisherdesign.com/project/rogue-brand-redesign/. Velo ad found on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Zain9t0/posts/180953890401150).

Even though traditional gums and lozenges already exist to help adults quit smoking, these nicotine products seem to be targeting youth to get them hooked early.

Recent national surveys show that nicotine pouch use among high schoolers has nearly doubled in the last year, even as vaping has started to decline.

Many young pouch users are also vaping or smoking cigarettes at the same time, compounding their risks. Most report using flavored varieties like fruit, mint, or menthol — the same kinds of flavors that have long appealed to kids.

Comparison image made by KCadmin from images found online (Rogue website, Solace Facebook page, Lucy at Nicokick.com, Walmart website, Walgreens website).

 We know that most kids choose not to vape or smoke, and most will refuse products like these if they’re offered. We also know that adult support and conversations really help when the pressure mounts and the offer or curiousity for teens to “try it” is there.

As adults, we can help youth by:

  • Having conversations about our nicotine-free expectations early and often, including cigarettes, vaping, and these nicotine products.
  • Warning kids and teens of the risks of using nicotine while their brains are still developing, including harm to learning, memory, mood, and lifelong addiction (learn more on our Nicotine & Vaping page).
  • Helping them gain confidence by practicing saying “no” to their peers when offered a nicotine product.
  • Reminding our kids they can come to us for help with peer pressure, stress, or anxiety.
  • Supporting teens who want to quit vaping. If you know a teen who’s trying to quit, tell them they can connect to a My Life My Quit coach at MO.MyLifeMyQuit.org or text ‘Start My Quit’ to 36072. This local cessation resource sends them free, confidential support and tips to help them quit vaping for good.

By Parent Up KC Staff

Help Knock Out Teen Vaping For Good. Here’s How:

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As adults, helping our teens make good choices can sometimes feel like stepping into the boxing ring, facing off against the challenges that threaten their well-being. One challenge that has become more prominent in recent years is teen vaping. But just like a boxer, you can learn skills to help “knock out” teen vaping in just a few rounds.

🧠 Round 1: Knowledge is Power

In this round, you’ll rely on your knowledge of the risks of vaping during adolescence, including: 

We also need to be aware of the new nicotine products that are being marketed to teens so we can keep an eye out for their ever-changing new forms. Having an understanding of why teens vape also shows us where there are opportunities to help and support our teens. Some of these reasons include influence from peers, a misunderstanding of the harmful contents of the aerosol produced by vaping, and coping with stress or anxiety. Equipped with this knowledge, you’ll be better able to help your teen understand the risks of vaping and guide them toward safe choices.

🗨️ Round 2: Open & Honest Communication

Just like a boxer, teens need people in their corner who can provide strong support and guidance, and this starts with open and honest communication. Approach your teen with empathy and a willingness to listen, and know that you won’t always get everything across in one talk. Use these conversation goals to help guide you in your talks with your teen:

  • Make it clear that you don’t approve of them using any vaping products. Over 80% of 10-18 year olds say their parents are their biggest influence on their decision not to use substances.
  • Show teens you care about their health, safety, and success. Reinforce the reasons you expect your teen to stay vape-free – because you love them and want them to be happy, healthy, and safe. Explain to them that vaping is harmful to their developing brains and can lead to lifelong addiction.
  • Be curious and open-minded about their experiences. Ask them what they think, know, or have heard about vaping. Show them that you are a good source of information if they have questions. 
  • Keep the conversation going. Talk often with your teen about vaping. Take advantage of opportunities when watching movies, TV, and commercials together that feature vaping. Let them know that they can come to you for help with stress, anxiety, or peer pressure. 

🏆 Round 3: Strategize for Success

In boxing, strategizing for success means practicing and planning for what might happen in the ring. You can help your teen do the same by practicing and planning for the situations they might encounter in their day-to-day lives. Consider planning for things like:

  • Peer pressure. Practicing how to say “no” can help teens feel more confident and comfortable resisting if a friend or peer offers them a vape.
  • Daily stressors. Stress is a normal part of life, but teens need help learning how to manage it. Discuss what stressors might exist for your teen and brainstorm coping skills that can help them handle stress, such as spending time outside, getting adequate sleep, or positive self-talk. Be open to their suggestions and help them think through some ideas that will work for them.

➡️ Follow up often to see how these strategies for success are working, and help them adapt their plans as needed.

🥳Celebrate when you notice them putting these strategies into action! 

👩‍⚕️Round 4: Seek Professional Help

Boxers call on professionals to help them when needed, and you can too.

  • If you’re worried your teen might be vaping, the Partnership to End Addiction can help.

     

  • Support teens who want to quit vaping. If you know a teen who’s trying to quit, tell them they can connect to a My Life My Quit coach at MO.MyLifeMyQuit.org or text ‘Start My Quit’ to 36072. This local cessation resource sends them free, confidential support and tips to help them quit vaping for good.

     

  • If your child is vaping to cope with anxiety or depression, reach out to their primary care doctor or a mental health professional. 

By adopting a boxing mentality, we can get one step closer to knocking out teen vaping for good! 
For more resources and tips for keeping kids safe from teen vaping, visit our Vaping page here at ParentUpKC.com!

A Clear Message from Clay, Platte and Ray Prosecutors: “Don’t Provide Alcohol to Minors”

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As the school year wraps up and the summer season approaches, Parent Up is joining with local prosecutors and prevention coalitions to remind parents and caring adults of their crucial role in preventing underage drinking.

The overwhelming majority of youth are not engaging in substance use because the adults in their lives are protecting their health and safety.

Local prosecutors witness first-hand the tragic and avoidable harm caused by alcohol and drug misuse, and feel the negative consequences are even more significant when it happens among teens.

In response, our prosecuting attorneys in Clay, Platte, and Ray counties have partnered with Parent Up’s Parent are Rock Stars campaign and have issued letters to Northland parents and caregivers, reminding them that providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 is illegal—and encouraging them to talk to their children about remaining alcohol-free. This partnership aims to empower all Northland parents and caregivers to set firm boundaries, have clear conversations, and take action appropriate action if they learn of underage drinking. Read each county prosecutor’s letter below:

This partnership aims to empower all Northland parents and caregivers to set firm boundaries, have clear conversations, and take action appropriate action if they learn of underage drinking.

Parent Up is here to help as we navigate these discussions with our kids and fellow parents. We have age appropriate conversation guides, tips for navigating the prom and graduation season, and some creative ideas for you to take action if you know of adults who are providing alcohol to minors.

If you want to learn more about how you can help or need resources to talk to your child about alcohol, head on over to our Alcohol Page.

– Parent Up Staff

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