This week: What should you do when your child, who is too young to fully understand but old enough to grasp certain concepts, catches you using cannabis?
Dear Home Insemination Kit,
A few years back, I obtained a medical cannabis card to help manage my endometriosis pain and anxiety. I primarily use a discreet oil in an electronic vape, which doesn’t produce any odor. I’ve always made it a point to use it only after my kids are asleep. However, the other night, my eldest (who’s 10) came down for a drink and caught me in the act. She was visibly surprised, having never seen me smoke before. I think I managed to explain what I was doing and why, as well as a bit about cannabis, but I realize this conversation can’t end here. I want my daughter to feel comfortable discussing anything with me, yet I also worry about her sharing this with her friends. What should I do?
While it might be tempting to avoid the topic altogether—and I totally understand that instinct—you already recognize that this isn’t the best approach, which is a great start. Keeping an open line of communication between you and your daughter will set a solid foundation for discussions on various topics that will arise in the future.
You’re already aware of the benefits of cannabis for physical and mental health, so I won’t delve into that here. However, having evidence-based information ready to share with your child, tailored to her understanding, could be beneficial. You can provide her with research on how cannabis can help people, discuss its legal status in different areas, and share your hopes for broader acceptance in the future. Educating her on the facts alongside your personal reasons for using it offers a valuable lesson for both of you.
Regarding your concerns about her keeping this private without making it sound like a secret, I suggest being straightforward: “I know what I’m doing isn’t wrong, but not everyone may see it that way.” Explain that while you’re not ashamed, you’d prefer to control when and how you share this aspect of your life with others. This way, you’re not imposing secrecy, but rather teaching her that your medical choices are personal, and only you have the right to discuss them.
Good luck navigating this conversation!
If you’re interested in more insights, check out one of our other blog posts here. And for more authoritative information, this is a reliable source on this topic, and you can also find excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination at this link.
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Summary
It’s essential to have an ongoing conversation with your child about cannabis after they catch you using it. Being open about your medical reasons, and encouraging them to ask questions can foster trust. Aim to educate them while also teaching them about privacy and personal choices.