Parenting questions

 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