Small Talks: Stories from Parents and Other Caring Adults

Not sure how to start having small talks? Nervous about saying the right thing? It's perfectly natural. Talking to kids about substance use can be stressful because the stakes are high, and pushing big conversations on kids runs the risks of them shutting down.

Sharing your nervousness and uncertainty with a kid shows them how important it is to you have these conversations. And by having more short, casual talks over time, you can take on different aspects of tough topics in small bites, giving everyone time to share, reflect, and ask more questions.

Hear from Wisconsin parents, caregivers, coaches, and mentors—everyday people like you, not substance use experts—on what they've learned when having small talks with the kids in their lives.

Watch all the Small Talks videos on the Small Talks YouTube playlist.

Getting over nerves

Learn how to work through stage fright to start having small talks.

"Once you have those conversations and you get over that initial fear of feeling uncomfortable, it gets easier...as with anything. The more practice, the easier it gets."

Getting prepped

Learn why preparing for small talks is a key to success.

"It doesn't have to be that detailed, but make sure you feel comfortable with the topic that you're talking about, and you have some background knowledge on it to provide them with good feedback or advice."

Learning to listen

Hear why an important part of having small talks is listening.

"It might calm your nerves a little bit to have them kind of talk first about the subject."

Bouncing back

Hear why it's not important for your small talks to be perfect.

"You're not going to have all the answers, so it's foolish to pretend that you will. I think being able to be vulnerable, and to admit when you're wrong, and to admit when you don't have the answer is really powerful. It goes a long way, I think."

Keeping it up

Hear why having lots of small talks over time is more effective than one big talk.

"If you only save conversations for the big things, then it seems like a big thing every time. Whereas if you can make it more of a commonplace, everyday thing, just a part of normal life, they're going to feel more comfortable. They're going to feel more safe."

Beyond conversations

Having conversations is important, but it's not the only thing you can do. In fact, there are many actions you can take to help kids build confidence and reject substance use.

Learn how to expand your influence beyond conversations