Of course parents and caregivers care about their kids, but we’re asking to extend that to kids’ developing brains. Caring for the developing brain means learning about and supporting the things that help it grow – and limiting what hurts it, like medicine misuse.

Care Action Steps

• Educate yourself and others about the harmful effects of substance use on the developing brain and make it a priority to protect your child from engaging in any substance use. 
• Talk often to let your child know you care about their health and safety, and that you are speaking from a place of concern, love, and support. Learn more about how addictive substances like prescription pills can affect the developing adolescent brain by watching this video and visiting our Why Parent Up? page.
• Explore the risk factors that can increase the likelihood of addiction, and use that knowledge to strengthen the protective factors in your child’s life.
• Share what you learn with other parents and caregivers. Together, adults can create a stronger culture of support and prevention for kids and teens. 

Strong connections help teens thrive. When young people have stable, supportive relationships with caring adults, they are more likely to make healthy choices, build resilience, and feel confident navigating life’s challenges.

Parents and trusted adults have a powerful opportunity to make a lasting impact by listening, being present, spending quality time together, and checking in regularly. When teens feel seen, valued, and supported, they are more likely to open up, better understand their emotions, and turn to you for guidance and encouragement.

Connect Action Steps

• Set aside regular one-on-one time with your child to connect and have fun together. Simple moments matter most—whether it’s taking a walk, drawing, reading, driving together, or simply talking about the day.
• Watch this TED Talk for practical and inspiring ideas on building stronger, more meaningful connections with kids and teens.
• Make family meals a priority when possible. Regular meals together can strengthen communication, build trust, and reduce risky behaviors, including substance use! Our Support Youth page offers a free Meaningful Meals Kit with tips, tools, and resources to help make mealtimes more engaging and rewarding.
• Work together to identify sources of stress in your child’s life and explore healthy ways to manage it, such as getting enough sleep, spending time outdoors, taking breaks from screens, or practicing relaxation techniques. Inviting your child into the conversation helps build problem-solving skills and strengthens your relationship.

You don’t need to wait until you’re worried about your child to start the conversation. Talking openly and calmly about prescription medications can help your teen understand that “prescription” doesn’t automatically mean “harmless” or “safe for everyone.”

Communicate Action Steps

• Talk about the risks medicines can pose to your child’s developing brain, health, and future. Remind them that your guidance comes from love and a desire to keep them healthy.
• Set clear expectations with your child around medicine use. Help them understand protecting young people during important brain development reduces the risk of harm and addiction.
• Look for everyday “teachable moments” to spark conversation. News stories, TV shows, social media, school events, and pop culture can all create natural opportunities to talk about nicotine products and decision-making.
• Make regular conversations and check-ins part of daily life. Even small moments of connection can strengthen trust and help your child feel comfortable coming to you.
• Help establish expectations, encourage healthy communication, and support positive decision-making with our tools for Setting Expectations and Communication Guides.
• Talk with your teen about why medications should only be taken by the person they were prescribed for and exactly as directed.
• Encourage your teen to ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication—even if a friend or family member says it is safe.
• Remind them that sharing prescription medication can put another person at risk.
• Keep prescription medications stored securely and dispose of unused medications appropriately.
• Create an environment where your teen feels comfortable telling you about a medication they took or a situation they’re concerned about. Your first response can be an opportunity to help them stay safe.

Most importantly, keep the conversation going. Giving them accurate information—and letting them know they can come to you with questions—can help them make safer decisions.

As a general practice, know where your kids are at, who they are with, and be sure to check in when they get home. Watch for any early signs or symptoms of medicine misuse and be on alert for changes in behaviors, friend groups, or attitudes. You know your child’s “normal” best, so trust your gut if something feels off. 

Careful Attention Action Steps

• Monitor the prescription drugs you have in your home, and keep track of how many you have, in case some go missing. Keeping track of medications is key to preventing access to these drugs.
• Secure the prescriptions in your home. Instead of having them easily accessible in a medicine cabinet, put them some place only you know about, or put them in a locked cabinet or safe to assure they are out of reach of teens and children. This will help prevent misuse and accidental poisonings. 
• Safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medication. You can safely dispose of them in your own home, participate in a DEA Drug Take Back Day, or find a permanent drug drop box near you (in the Kansas City Northland).
• Talk to family and other parents about monitoring, securing, and disposing of medications as well.
• Be on the look out for warning signs that your child might be misusing prescription drugs (see below).