Building a Safe Space for Your Child
Talking to Your Child About Prevention
Open, honest conversations help kids make healthy choices. This section offers simple tips and tools to help you talk with your child about vaping, drugs, and other risks—at any age.
Children as young as 9 years old can begin forming opinions about substances. According to the CDC, early prevention talks can help children develop healthy attitudes and coping strategies before risky behaviors start. Don’t wait for a crisis—make prevention part of regular conversation.
Use simple, direct language that fits your child’s age and stage. With younger children, talk about healthy habits and the importance of safety. For teens, discuss peer pressure, media messages, and the real risks of vaping, alcohol, or drug misuse.
Ask open-ended questions:
- “What have you heard about vaping or weed at school?”
- “Do you think kids your age feel pressure to drink?”
- “If you were worried about a friend, who would you talk to?”
Keep your tone supportive and listen more than you talk.
Explain your expectations clearly and calmly: “In our family, we don’t use drugs or alcohol before 21 because we care about brain development and safety.” Children are more likely to delay use when they understand both the risks and your reasons.
Source: CDC – Parent Engagement
Programs that inform, support, and empower.
Explore Our Prevention Programs
Get involved with practical tools, workshops, and campaigns designed to support parents and caregivers in guiding their children toward healthy choices. Our family programs focus on building strong bonds, improving communication, and providing trusted resources to help you lead prevention efforts effectively at home.
Mental Health
Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Well-Being
Mental health and substance use are often connected. Children and teens may turn to substances as a way to cope with anxiety, trauma, or depression. According to the CDC, promoting mental wellness is one of the most important ways to prevent future substance use and related risks.
Let your child know it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or upset. Sharing your own feelings helps model openness and emotional honesty.
Prioritize sleep, movement, and downtime. These daily habits play a big role in managing stress and emotions.
Keep an eye out for things like bullying, academic pressure, or too much screen time—all of which can impact your child’s mental health.
Set aside time for regular, no-pressure conversations. Reassure your child they can talk to you about anything—without fear of punishment.
Source: CDC – Parent Engagement
Stay Alert. Stay Connected.
Recognizing Early Warning Signs
While every child is different, here are some common signs that something deeper may be going on. These signs don’t always mean substance use or mental health issues—but they are a signal to check in, ask open-ended questions, and seek support early.
Sudden changes in mood, sleep, or appetite
Loss of interest in hobbies or friends
Declining grades or school attendance
Secretive behavior or sudden defiance
Finding unfamiliar items (e.g., vape pens, lighters, pills)
Withdrawal from family activities or conversations
Finding Help in Butler County
Help is Nearby:
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Local resources are here to help you and your child with prevention, mental health, and recovery support.
Reach out for guidance, referrals, and local programs tailored to youth and families.
Most Butler County school districts offer on-site counselors or connections to outside services.
Local therapists and behavioral health centers provide youth-focused care, many with telehealth options.
Each school in Butler County has a SAP team made of school employees and a SAP liaison from Center for Community Resources. If you have mental health or drug and alcohol concerns about your child, you can call your child’s school and ask to speak to a SAP team member to receive SAP services.