If you don’t broach the “unbroachable,” someone else will. The once-upon-a-time days of life without exposure to constant temptation are long gone. Virtually every television show, billboard, movie, ad, song, and video game raises once-taboo topics. You have to do some serious research to find truly family-friendly entertainment. For a lead-in to a discussion of sex, drugs, and alcohol, explore the resources on the Web. These are discussion starters only. Emphasize your personal values and beliefs when you dig into these issues.

Children now are as curious as you ever were—maybe more so. Strive to keep them innocent as long as possible but realize that they’ll soon be old enough to talk about topics that never even crossed your mind at their age. The choice to avoid the problems must be made before the lure of addiction looms.

For example, your kids must decide to abstain from sex in advance of the opportunity. Similarly, drugs and alcohol should be avoided when someone pulls them out at a school dance or other seemingly innocuous affair. Research has found that kids whose parents talk to them about smoking are much less apt to try that first cigarette. Consistency counts. And so does banishing double standards.

Don’t just discuss the negative stuff. Positive alternatives must be presented. Encourage their involvement in activities that keep their minds and bodies fully occupied. Challenge them. Let your kids end their day tired from learning, playing, or both. Boredom builds when they have too much time to kill.

Your example matters. Personal attitudes about healthy relationships and your conscious decision to avoid addicting behaviors can teach volumes. Help them see the joys of a full and fulfilled life without the unneeded dangerous additions.