For Parents & Caregivers
Parents, Caregivers, and Prevention
Even if it feels like they are tuning you out, it’s important to remember that you are the number one influence on the choices your children make. Prevention starts with small, everyday actions at home.
As our children grow up, make new friends, explore their independence, and spend more time outside of the home, it is normal to wonder: Have I prepared them to make good choices? Whether it’s navigating relationships or facing decisions about alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and other substances, your voice matters more to your children than you think.
So how can you support your child to prevent substance use?
1. Focus on “Micro-Conversations”
Skip the heavy lectures and focus on low-pressure “micro-conversations.” Keeping these important conversations light, and practicing active listening, can make your child feel heard and at ease when talking to you. Head over to our Mastering “Micro-Conversations” page for easy ways to turn brief chats into big connections.
2. Set Clear Expectations and Boundaries
Laying out clear, age-appropriate boundaries and expectations can build trust and give our kids safe and understandable guidelines. It can also help us reduce and manage conflicts. Not sure how to set boundaries without pushing your kid away? It doesn’t have to be a battle! Check out our Expectations & Boundaries page for simple strategies.
3. Be Intentionally Involved
Building a strong, trusting relationship with your child is one of the most effective ways to protect them from substance use. By staying actively engaged in their lives, you create an environment where they feel safe sharing with you. Explore our Intentional Involvement page for simple, meaningful ways to show up and strengthen your connection with your kid.
4. Encourage Community and Connection
Encouraging your child to explore hobbies, sports, and community activities builds self-confidence and serves as a powerful protective factor against substance use. Having opportunities to pursue their interests helps young people to build new skills, grow self-esteem, and develop meaningful relationships. For ideas to get your kids involved in their communities, visit our Community and Connection page.
Connecting NH Families to Support
New Hampshire offers a large network of community partners to help you navigate parenting challenges, find engaging youth programs, or access substance use support, with free and confidential resources available across the state.
Parenting and Family Support
Parenting is the hardest job out there, but you don’t have to do it alone. NH community partners are here to support parents and families as safe and non-judgmental resources.
New Hampshire Teen Institute: Specialized parent programming, including the Staying Connected with Your Teen workshop.
Waypoint: Programs to support, education, and advocate for parents.
The Upper Room: Dedicated resources, education, and support groups for parents.
Family Resource Centers: Located throughout NH, Resource Centers offer everything from housing and food assistance, to parenting classes and support for parenting your adolescent, including online classes like Active Parenting of Teens.
Healthy Children from the American Academy of Pediatrics: Developed by health care providers, this resource gives parents multi-age information on sex, drugs, and alcohol to help prepare your kids to refuse offers of alcohol and other drugs.
Family Check Up: An evidence-based program that supports families in developing positive family management practices, such as family routines and positive behavior support.
For even more resources, check out The Center for Parenting Education and the Partnership to End Addiction for parenting advice, communication tips, and a parent support hotline.
Substance Use Support and Treatment
If you or a loved one needs immediate help with substance use, these confidential services are available 24/7.
The Doorway-NH: The central hub connecting NH residents to local evaluation, treatment, and recovery support services. You are not alone. You are never far from help.
211 NH: Dial 211 immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing an addiction-related crisis. Trained Referral Specialists will connect NH residents to the most up to date resources they need.
Substance Use Resources For Parents of Adolescents and Young Adults: A comprehensive reference guide aimed specifically at parents of adolescents and young adults that includes helplines, support groups, treatment locators, and advocacy opportunities.