Officer Gomez conversation starters!
Use this list as a starting point. Add, edit, and share as needed—it just might help another parent out. Some of these should be started in Kindergarten…..
Let’s talk about…
SEX
☐ What sex actually is
☐ Respect for partners
☐ Porn vs. real relationships
☐ STDs and how they spread
☐ Consent and consequences
☐ Pregnancy and the cost of raising a child
☐ Contraception options
RESPECT
☐ At home
☐ At school
☐ In public
DRUGS
☐ Short- and long-term consequences
☐ Addiction and its impact on families
☐ Lost opportunities
☐ How drug use affects future jobs
☐ The real cost of drug use
VAPING
☐ Long-term health effects
☐ Nicotine addiction
☐ How much it actually costs
☐ It’s not a “just for now” decision
ALCOHOL
☐ Underage drinking
☐ Parties and peer pressure
☐ Options if they end up drunk (yes, parents will come pick them up)
☐ Friends driving drunk
☐ Legal consequences
MINORS + NUDE PHOTOS
☐ Criminal charges possible to minor
☐ Once it’s sent, it’s permanent
☐ Online sextortion is real and getting help
☐ It can affect school and future jobs
SCHOOL
☐ Why school matters in your family
☐ Homework mindset
☐ What else school teaches besides academics
☐ Behavior and student expectations
COLLEGE & BEYOND
☐ Start exploring options around 8th grade
☐ Pros and cons of college
☐ Budgeting for college vs. income potential
☐ Trade schools, military, and apprenticeships
DRIVING
☐ What the family expects when they drive
☐ Who can be in the car
☐ Texting and driving
☐ What to do when the car breaks down
☐ Talk through their first crash scenario—step by step
DATING
☐ What age/behavior is appropriate
☐ Setting and respecting boundaries
☐ How to leave a relationship safely
☐ Signs of a controlling or toxic partner
SOCIAL CONFLICT & BULLYING
☐ Social conflict vs. bullying
☐ What to do in each situation
☐ How to manage anger and solve problems
☐ How to support friends being bullied
FINANCES
☐ Budgeting basics
☐ Credit cards and debt
☐ Saving, investing, and taxes
☐ Setting financial goals
☐ Buying a car or a home
SUICIDE & SELF-HARM
☐ How to ask for help
☐ Who their trusted adults are
☐ What to do if a friend is suicidal or cutting
Parenting Tip:
Have these conversations often and repeat them as many times as necessary.
Happy Parenting,
– Officer Gomez
