Power2Parents - Bridges to Prevention
All teens are always at risk for underage drinking and there are countless opportunities for them to test the limits. That's their job as teenagers. As parents and guardians we can make the limits clear and monitor where they go, what they do, how they act and more. Monitoring is not a violation of trust, it is a regular and expected part of parenting throughout the pre-teen and teen years.
Your teen expects you to keep them from drinking. It is okay to monitor what they do! Here are 3 tips for preventing underage drinking:
If you have alcohol in your home, keep track of it. Know what and how much you have, and keep it where it is not accessible to teens.
Get to know your teens' friends. Get to know the parents of your teens' friends, too. Let the parents of your teens friends know your rules about alcohol, and find out what their rules are.
Before your teen goes to a party or out with friends, ask if adults will be present and if alcohol will be present. Ask your teen to call you from the party or gathering; if you have caller ID, you can ask them to use a landline, not a cell phone, so that you can tell where they actually are when they call.
All teens are at risk for alcohol use – but there are simple things you can do to reduce your teen’s risk. One of these is to be aware of the mixed messages you may be sending about drinking. Certain attitudes and behaviors parents adopt may make alcohol more appealing to a teen. These actions are very common among parents, and while it is never our intent to encourage underage drinking, some of these actions and behaviors may do just that. Remaining clear and consistent, and avoiding messages that glorify or promote alcohol use, are good ways to provide your children with the role modeling that they need to keep them from underage use.
Your kids learn from you. Do you know the messages you’re sending? Here are some tips to help you avoid sending the wrong message:
Don’t make lighthearted or joking comments about other people's heavy drinking. Also avoid telling funny or glorified stories about you or your friends' drinking antics. By 'glorifying' alcohol use, you risk sending the message that heavy drinking is an expected rite of passage.
Do you ever ask your kids to get a beer or other alcoholic drink for you? This can make young kids feel comfortable handling alcohol. Want another drink? Burn some of those extra calories – and get it yourself. And never offer to “let them have a taste.”
Have you ever reached for a drink in front of your kids, saying “I had a tough day?” This can make alcohol seem like a good way to relieve stress, and something you need to relax.
