Conversation Starters

Ideas and resources to help you start meaningful conversations with your kids.

Sometimes all it takes is a spark to start a meaningful conversation with your kids. This page brings together videos, conversation prompts, and resources to help parents feel more confident talking with their kids about substances and the challenges young people may face. Watch a short Mind-Blowing! video, explore suggested conversation starters, or learn more through our Real Talks scenarios, Drug Spotlights, and Issues pages. Each resource offers practical ways to learn about it — and talk with your kids.

Mind-Blowing! – The Science of Substances

Short, engaging videos that explore how substances affect the brain and body. These easy-to-watch clips help explain complex science and can be a great way to start conversations with your kids about how substances work and why they matter.

Conversation Starters

Simple questions and prompts designed to help you begin a discussion with your child. These ideas can help open the door to honest conversations about substances, choices, and the situations young people may encounter.

Real Talks

Interactive scenarios that explore real-life situations parents and teens may face. These guided examples offer ideas for how conversations might unfold and provide practical ways to respond with empathy and curiosity.

Drug Spotlights

Learn about specific substances — including how they work, their effects, and potential risks. These fact-based pages can help you answer questions and talk with your kids using clear, balanced information.

Issues

Learn about the issues that may be affecting young people and families today. From the opioid crisis to using substances to cope, impaired driving, and other challenges, these topics provide helpful context to better understand what your child may be experiencing.