According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, kids who learn about drugs from parents are significantly less likely to use drugs—and yet 20 percent of kids say they’ve never had that important conversation even once. That statistic illustrates one of the key challenges—and opportunities—families have in keeping their children safe. Having “the talk” (or, even better, talks) isn’t that difficult. With drug and alcohol references all over popular culture—in films, television, music and on the Internet—you have plenty of conversational openings. It’s not the opportunity, but the substance and style of your conversation that matters. Here are a few tips for getting started and making your best case in a way that your teenagers won’t automatically reject.