Talk Listen Repeat
Your voice can make a difference. We can help.
Check out the tools and resources on this page, and start the conversation with your kids about substance use!
Sponsored by the Strategic Planning Initiative for Families and Youth (SPIFFY)
"I probably messed up a little bit, probably didn't say everything right, but as long as the conversations were happening, I was happy. And if they ever wanted to come and ask me anything, hopefully they'll come and ask me." - Lev Fein, parent
Talking to Young People About Substance Use
Click here to open, download, or share the Guide.
Spanish Version: Click to open Hablar con los niños
The Guide contains the top 10 tips for talking with kids about substances. Start talking today!
Expert Chat: A New Way to Communicate With Your Kids is a podcast that brings helpful perspective to talking with your kids about all kinds of issue that can be daunting. Give it a listen! Brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration.
"Have the conversation. There's some hesitation usually around starting it, but I think what I've learned to be most beneficial is asking questions, starting with putting everything you know or think you know on the table." - Shawn Fortin, parent
Science Matters: Get the Facts, Start the Conversation
Facts matter to young people. It’s a good idea to educate yourself about the impact of using substances, and share what you’ve learned and your concerns about risks. You can also help your kids learn how to do their own research and assess risk.
We've developed these FAQs to help you prepare for conversations with your kids about cannabis and alcohol. Click on each title to take a look, download the sheets, and share!
Click to open Spanish: LA CIENCIA IMPORTA: Ver las realidades acerca del alcohol
Click to open Spanish: El desarrollo del cerebro y el cannabis
Click to open Spanish: El desarrollo del cerebro y el alcohol
Want to learn more?
Visit our Resources page to find links to high quality research, data, and information sources - including data from our region!
In Hampshire County, LGBTQ+ youth report high use rates for cannabis, lower risk perceptions and perceptions of disapproval, and easier access to cannabis compared to straight and cis youth. Trans and non-binary youth, and LGB youth are more likely than cis straight youth to report having their first alcoholic drink when they were 13 years old or younger. We also know that the families of LGBTQ+ youth contribute significantly to their children’s health and wellbeing.
Click here to open tips for Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth.
Click to open Spanish: Dando apoyo a sus jóvenes LGBTQ+
Hear from Parents and Youth
Browse the short videos below to hear directly from parents and youth about the power of talking; and why it works. Each video is 60 seconds or less.
Getting to Know Each Other
Conversations Can Be Fun
Teach Them to Ask Questions
When You Don't Have All the Answers
Open Lines of Communication
They Need You Not to Judge
The Talk. Listen. Repeat. public service campaign is created by the Strategic Planning for Families and Youth (SPIFFY) Coalition of Hampshire County. The SPIFFY Coalition is a group of over 80 community service organizations working to collaboratively engage in data-driven prevention efforts to reduce youth substance use and build healthy communities in Hampshire County; and administers the Prevention Needs Assessment Survey of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders in Hampshire County.
