This website is part of a series of web pages from the national campaign Talking With Kids About Tough Issues by Children Now and the Kaiser Family Foundation, written to give adults support in talking to young children about difficult societal and personal pressures, such as sex, violence, and HIV and AIDS. It recommends starting the conversation early based on national (United States) studies that show the average age when a child first tries alcohol is 11; for marijuana, it's 12.

The site discusses the following topics in detail:

• Listen carefully;
• Role play how to say "no";
• Encourage choice;
• Provide age-appropriate information;
• Establish a clear family position on drugs;
• Be a good example;
• Discuss what makes a good friend;
• Build self-esteem;
• Repeat the message;
• If you suspect a problem, seek help; and
• Questions & Answers on why people take drugs and good drugs and bad drugs.

The site includes links to resources, a sign-up for quarterly emails, and links to downloadable versions of site information in topical booklet form. The booklet Talking With Kids About Tough Issues is available by calling 1 800 CHILD44, or by clicking here to download an English version in PDF format or by clicking here to download a Spanish version in PDF format.