Starting A Conversation Is Why We Talk

Whether it’s peer pressure, curiosity, rebellion, coping mechanisms, or a combination of things, parents in Wyoming are faced with tough situations and even tougher conversations in regards to drinking, vaping, substance use, and suicide prevention among our youth. As parents, we want to know why these behaviors and activities happen, what our options are, and what we can do to help. If it’s hard to talk about, it’s definitely a conversation worth having, and we’re here to help get it started. This is WYWETALK.

Tips & How To Talk To Your Child

Choose The Right Time and Place

Somewhere where your child will not be distracted or interrupted.
Make sure it is a safe and comfortable environment.

Start The Conversation

Don’t talk at them.
Model peace of mind and a hopeful outlook.
Use pop culture and current events to make your point.
Ask open ended questions that encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings.
Use real-life scenarios or stories to get the conversation started. “Remember when…”.

Listen Actively

Welcome all of their questions.
Avoid accusations.
Keep your cool.
Provide Reassurance.
This means non-judgmentally paying attention to what they are saying, ask clarifying questions and acknowledging their feelings.

Be Honest and Age-Appropriate.

Focus on things within their control.
Model healthy habits, don’t reveal your past drug use (there are conflicting view points on this so make sure you decide as a family and make sure to have a plan).
It’s okay to be honest, but make sure that you are using language that they can understand. It’s okay to not have an answer and say that you will get back to them on something.
Follow Up: After the conversation, check in to see how they’re feeling and let them know that you are always available to talk.

Tips & How To Talk To Your Child

Choose The Right Time and Place

Somewhere where your child will not be distracted or interrupted.
Make sure it is a safe and comfortable environment.

Start The Conversation

Talk with them, not at them.
Model peace of mind and a hopeful outlook.
Use pop culture and current events to make your point.
Ask open ended questions that encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings.
Use real-life scenarios or stories to get the conversation started. “Remember when…”.

Listen Actively

Welcome all of their questions.
Avoid accusations.
Keep your cool.
Provide reassurance.
Pay attention to what they are saying, ask clarifying questions and acknowledge their feelings non-judgmentally.

Be Honest and Age-Appropriate.

Focus on things within their control.
Model healthy habits, when having conversations, be cautious revealing your personal past behavior.
Be honest, but make sure that you are using language that they can understand. It’s okay to not have all the answers.
Follow up after the conversation, revisit any unanswered questions they may have had, and check in to see how they’re feeling, letting them know that you are always available to talk.

Right Time And Place

Start The Conversation

Listen Actively

Be Honest

Where To Start

Now that you know the basics of having awesome conversations, it’s time to spot the warning signs that your child might be giving off, indicating that it’s time to step in and start a chat. We always suggest being proactive rather than reactive.

Topic Specific Tips

Helpful Resources

If, through your conversation, you find your child needs additional resources, use the regional map to find assistance in your area or utilize one of the resources below:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: If you are in an immediate crisis, dial 988. This lifeline operates 24/7.
Crisis Text Line: The Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741741. This text line offers support via text message communication.
Wyoming 2-11: Wyoming 211 is a free helpline that connects individuals to community resources and services, including mental health support. By dialing 211, individuals can access information and referrals for mental health providers, counseling services, support groups, and more.

Starting A Conversation Is Why We Talk

Tips & How To Talk To Your Child

Tips & How To Talk To Your Child

Where To Start

Topic Specific Tips

Helpful Resources

Who Are We?

Contact Information

Starting A Conversation Is Why We Talk

Tips & How To Talk To Your Child

Tips & How To Talk To Your Child

Where To Start

Topic Specific Tips

Helpful Resources

Who Are We?

Contact Information

Find Local Help