There are few conversations with your teenage child that are easy. Something as seemingly innocent as inquiring about weekend plans can be a minefield. While your child may not be the best communicator, your child is listening to you. What you say matters. Many parents know about the importance of having the “sex talk”, the “don’t drink and drive talk”, and even the “don’t do drugs” talk. Those talks are important but there is at least one more that should be added to the list – the “steroids are dangerous drugs – don’t take them” talk.
The anti-steroids talk is particularly important if your child is an athlete. It is important for you to explain to your child that:
- Steroids are dangerous drugs;
- Steroid use, without a doctor’s prescription, is illegal in the United States;
- The risks of steroids are not worth any potential benefits;
- Taking steroids is cheating;
- You are proud of their athletic achievements; and
- You are available to help them with their athletic training in any legal and safe way that you can.
Steroids can cause serious physical and emotional problems for users. Do not let your teenager suffer unnecessarily. Instead, teach your child that steroid use is illegal in the United States, unacceptable in your home, and dangerous for your child.
