to talk to my 8 y-o DD about drugs

[Toadinthehole]

Briefly, DW exclaimed loudly and with disgust after watching this video (which concerns Beverly Hills mothers wanting to legalise cannabis.

DD asked what it was all about. I was about to explain, when DW cut me off, so I stopped.

Would I have been unreasonable to briefly explain along the lines that some people like to take certain substances that make them feel good, and can get themselves in awful trouble by doing so?

YANBU healthy discussion is the only way.

YANBU.

I have talked to my 5&7 year olds about drugs (including alcohol and tobacco in that category) - age appropriate language and fairly basic information, but openly and trying to answer their questions.

I'd rather they felt that nothing was a taboo subject and that they can come to me / their dad for information when they want it.

If they're old enough to ask, they're old enough to be given an explanation

Of course you should tell her. The earlier children are aware of the dangers of drugs the better.

Ds is 7 and we've talked a lot about drugs. He knows part of the reason we don't see his dad is due to his drink and drug problems.

I think avoiding answering something like that could make it more intriguing. Maybe talk to your DW and agree something going forward? You probably just caught her off guard.

My 9 year old dd has had homework about illegal drugs and the side effects. YANBU at all.

Agree with previous, honest discussion using age appropriate language the moment they start asking.
Unfortunately I have a DP like your DW. He gives me 'a look' if he thinks I'm being a bleeding heart leftie Guardianista, especially when the conversation concerns same sex relationships. I think I'm being a sensible parent.
So I tend to end the conversation there but take it offline when the kids aren't around and ask what his problem is. When I tell him what I was planning to say he normally sees sense and then I engineer a repeat of the opportunity before too long, while DD's curiosity is still piqued.

yanbu. we may think we are protecting our kids, or preserving their innocence by pretending that world isnt how it is. But the truth is these things DO exist, and it won't benefit them in the long run to have no knowledge of this. I don't think sitting them for a long lecture is neccessary at this age or ever, but if questions are asked, answering them honestly will benefit kids more than ignoring them or lying.

Thanks - will have a chat with DW.