One thing I learned after losing my son to drugs, was that everything became a threat to your children. Kids try stuff. We know this, even as much as we beg them not too, or how wonderful a kid they are. Cigarettes, vape, drinking, are all examples of things that rarely escape experimentation with teens. Most parents will sit their child down, explain the dangers and why they do not condone this behavior. Parents that have experienced loss, see a potential threat to your child that could cost the ultimate price. We see cigarettes or vape and drinking as gateways to bigger and more dangerous drugs, and we will stop this from happening! We choose penalties that outweigh the crime significantly, and essentially make our kids afraid to talk to us. Of course, this is not what we wanted. We wanted to rip that from their life in a way that would prevent them from ever trying anything again! They get in that car with someone drunk, rather than call you for help.
This is not what we wanted. We wanted to protect you from harm. Stop a potential habit immediately, rather than watching it rip your child from you. You see drugs, you see your child laying lifeless.
A lesson I have tried to teach myself, more than once. Not everything, is worth this reaction. A once tried cigarette, or a vape in a school bathroom, are not likely going to take your child from you. Massive overreactions will not open up communications between you and your child. Before you say anything, as yourself, would I be this scared if I hadn't lost a child? Keep those lines open.
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