(Posted 272 days ago)

Say This:

First of all, ask him why he is asking you the question at this time; and don't take, "Oh, no reason," for answer. There must be some reason why he is asking you now.

Then ask him in return, "What do YOU think? Do you think I smoked pot when I was young?" After he answers yes or no, ask him why he thinks so.

After those questions and answers, you may have a better idea of how to answer his question. A lot depends on his age at the time of asking and on who is overhearing the conversation. You can say, "I do want to discuss this with you, but this is not the right time or place. When and where shall we talk about it?" Then you can set up a later "appointment."

I must tell you that once I was asked this question by an oppositional student, and he asked it in class while my supervisor was observing me for evaluation. I snapped right back, without any hesitation whatever, "ABSOLUTELY NOT!" I saw my supervisor smile--she knew the kid was trying to set me up.

Good luck! Parenting is just one unexpected surprise after another, isn't it?