RAVEN:
So, did you smoke pot?
MOM:
No, I didn't. I was into sports. Plus, I thought my friends said and did some really stupid things when they were high. I just didn't want any part of it. And, I didn't want to disappoint my parents. (PAUSE, GAUGING RAVEN'S REACTION) So what do you think? Are you surprised I didn't even try it?
RAVEN:
Yeah sort of. But I think it's good that you did what was right for you. Did grandma and grandpa ever tell you to stay away from drugs?
MOM:
No, but I'm telling you. I definitely do not want you to use alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or any other illegal drugs. I'm not going to give you a lecture about how bad they are for you-you probably learned a lot about them already in class. But I do want you to think about this: plain and simple, you don't need them. You have too much going for you. Drugs don't really help anything. They don't solve problems, won't make you popular, and they won't help you grow up strong and healthy. In fact, just the opposite could happen.
MOM GLANCES AT HER WATCH AS HER DAUGHTER BEGINS PROCESSING ALL THIS INFORMATION.
I tell you what, we can talk more about this later if you want. Okay?
RAVEN:
Okay
MOM:
It's getting late, though, so why don't you go get ready for soccer practice. Now that's something that makes you feel good about yourself, isn't it?
RAVEN:
Yeah
FREEZE ON A FINAL TABLEAU OF MOM AND DAUGHTER.
NARRATOR:
Obviously, this conversation can go many ways. But the point is to really listen. Make it clear that you value this child and that he or she has the right to talk with you about anything. And, make it clear that you do not want him or her to use alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs.
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