This opinion piece suggests that threats and fear tactics are often ineffective in altering teen behavior. The author suggests that in discussing choices, like whether to smoke marijuana, parents need to acknowledge the realities and benefits that teens perceive, not ignore those aspects. If a parent only names and talks about the risks and down sides, many teens will think that that parent is either out of touch or lying. By naming the truths as the teen sees it, the parent gains credibility:
