FOR PARENTS
In study after study, teenagers report the same thing—the #1 reason they don’t drink is parental disapproval.
As a parent, we often feel like our teenagers are tuning us out. In reality, just the opposite is true. Even as teenagers are becoming more independent and forming their own personalities, they still report that their parents are the #1 influence in their lives.
Here are four proven skills that you, as a parent, can do to keep your kids alcohol-free. To learn more about each, click on them, below.
1. Know the facts.
Drinking starts earlier than you may think—oftentimes in elementary school. And alcohol affects a young person’s brain differently than an adult’s. The effects of underage drinking can be long-lasting or even permanent.
- Teen drinking can program the brain for alcoholism. A child who begins drinking before age 13 has nearly a 50/50 chance of becoming alcohol-dependent. For those who begin at 21, the risk drops to 1 in 14.
- 67% of teens who drink before age 15 will try other illicit drugs.
- Alcohol can damage an adolescent’s developing brain, affecting judgment, impulse control, learning and memory.
2. Stay close to your kids.
Stay involved with your children throughout their teen lives. It sounds simple and sometimes seems difficult especially as they get older, but “bonding” is one of the best things you can do to keep your children alcohol-free.
- Create a positive, loving home environment. Spend time together. Do fun activities together. Eat dinner together. Research shows teens who regularly eat as a family (5-7 times per week) are 33% less likely to use alcohol.
- Talk to your kids every day. Ask about their lives, hopes, fears and concerns. Help them feel loved, connected, and valued.
- Watch for signs of stress or depression. Help them cope in healthy ways, such as music, exercise, or talking with a counselor.
- Listen. Be positive. Be supportive.
3. Set clear boundaries.
Let your children know what you expect of them. Set rules. Have consequences. Be specific. Follow through.
- Teach the risks of underage drinking. Begin early, preferably before age eight. Review the dangers of alcohol often as they grow up.
- Brainstorm and practice ways to say, “No.” Remind them if offered alcohol they should call for a ride home.
- Ask kids for a personal commitment to live by the rules.
- Consistently enforce the rules by giving appropriate consequences every time.
- Help your kids choose friends wisely—ones who support your no-alcohol rules.
4. Monitor your kids.
Know where your children are, who they are with, and what they are doing. You don’t have to spy or pry, but you do need to be keenly aware.
- Pay particular attention between the hours of 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. while many parents are still at work.
- Make sure your kids have planned activities and appropriate adult supervision.
- Help provide safe, enjoyable, “no-alcohol” fun for your kids and their friends.
- Ensure an alcohol-free environment. If your child goes to a friend’s house, make sure parents will be there.
- Find ways to keep in touch with your kids when you are not around. Call, text, or have a neighbor drop by.
Guiding Good Choices.
This free series of workshops for parents helps improve family management skills and reduces the likelihood that children will develop substance abuse and other problem behaviors.
In controlled studies, the Guiding Good Choices workshops have been shown to:
See your school counseling office to register for upcoming workshops.
In controlled studies, the Guiding Good Choices workshops have been shown to:
- Reduce alcohol and marijuana use 40.6%
- Reduce more serious substance abuse 54%
- Increase nonusers remaining drug-free by 26%
- Lower rates of self-harm by 38%
- Decrease feelings of worthlessness by 28%
See your school counseling office to register for upcoming workshops.