Skip the lecture. Leave this talk with words your teen can use to decline an offer and a clear way to reach you for help. Red Ribbon Week is October 23–31 each year.
Dad Field Manual editors · Drafted with AI help · Published
Your phone and your teen's phone, if they have oneHave
Where: A quiet spot, while everyone is calm. This is a conversation, not an interrogation.
Before you start
Stay calm and listen. AAP recommends frequent talks outside the heat of the moment, without scare tactics or shame.
Help is available. If you are worried about substance use or changes in your teen's mood, sleep, appetite or school life, talk with their pediatrician.
Keep a ride available. AAP says teens should never drive impaired or ride with someone who is, and should be able to call a trusted adult for a ride.
02Steps
Ask what they have heard
DadTake 3 minutes. Say, 'Red Ribbon Week is about not using drugs. What have you heard about it at school?' Listen without asking them to name classmates. If they know nothing about the week, ask what questions they have about alcohol or drugs.
Say your rule and your reason
DadTake 3 minutes. Say, 'I care about your safety. I don't want you using alcohol or other drugs. You can ask me questions, even awkward ones.' Ask what sounds hard about that rule. Answer only what you know; write down a question to take to their pediatrician rather than guessing.
Practice their own words
TogetherTake 5 minutes. Ask permission to act out an offer: 'Want a drink?' Let them choose a reply they would actually use, such as 'No thanks, I'm heading out.' Switch roles once. Ask how they could leave the situation and reach a trusted adult. Keep it brief, without trying to trick them.
Write the ride plan
TogetherTake 5 minutes. Agree that they can call or text you for a ride without a roadside lecture. Write your number and a backup adult's number, with that adult's agreement. Ask them to show how they would find the number. If they have no phone, name a trusted adult they can ask to make the call.
Close and come back to it
TogetherTake 4 minutes. Have them explain the help plan in their own words. Ask, 'What would make it easier to call me?' Keep the paper somewhere they can find it privately. Pick an ordinary moment next week to check in; this conversation does not end with Red Ribbon Week.
03If it stalls
If they roll their eyes, keep just the ride plan today. Try the questions another time, without a lecture about their reaction.
If role-play feels awkward, let them write a reply instead. Read it only if they want to share it.
If they tell you they have used something, thank them for telling you, stay calm, and arrange a conversation with their pediatrician. Do not turn this practice talk into a cross-examination.
04Variations
No phone
Write the numbers on a small card. Name the trusted adults they can ask for help making a call.
They want privacy
Let them read the AAP page themselves. Come back just to agree on the ride plan and answer their questions.
A field card like this one for the weekend, one quick plan for a weeknight. Nothing else. The first letter hasn't gone out yet. You'll get one email to confirm.
Red Ribbon Week dates and purpose. DEA names October 23–31 as the annual Red Ribbon Week and describes it as an opportunity for families to reinforce drug-free messages. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Checked Oct 24, 2026
Calm conversations, expectations, rides and professional help. AAP recommends frequent calm conversations, clear no-use expectations, listening without shame, asking how a teen would respond to an offer, a trusted-adult ride option, and pediatrician support for concerns about substance use. American Academy of Pediatrics Checked Oct 24, 2026
Skip the lecture. Leave this talk with words your teen can use to decline an offer and a clear way to reach you for help. Red Ribbon Week is October 23–31 each year.
Time
20 min
Cost
$0 with paper and a phone you have
Ages
13 and up
Where
At home
What you need
Paper and a pen for your family help plan
Your phone and your teen's phone, if they have one
Before you start
Stay calm and listen. AAP recommends frequent talks outside the heat of the moment, without scare tactics or shame.
Help is available. If you are worried about substance use or changes in your teen's mood, sleep, appetite or school life, talk with their pediatrician.
Keep a ride available. AAP says teens should never drive impaired or ride with someone who is, and should be able to call a trusted adult for a ride.
Steps
Ask what they have heard. Ask what they have heard about Red Ribbon Week. Listen without asking for classmates' names. 3 min.
Say your rule and your reason. State your no-use rule and why you care. Invite questions; write down anything you cannot answer. 3 min.
Practice their own words. Practice declining an offer in their own words, then leaving and contacting a trusted adult. Switch roles. 5 min.
Write the ride plan. Write your number and an agreed backup adult's. Practice finding the contact and asking for a ride. 5 min.
Close and come back to it. Have them explain the help plan. Ask what would make calling easier. Choose a time to check in again. 4 min.
If it stalls
If they roll their eyes, keep just the ride plan today. Try the questions another time, without a lecture about their reaction.
If role-play feels awkward, let them write a reply instead. Read it only if they want to share it.
