Parenting: Under Age Drinking2

Parenting: How to Deal with Teen Drinking- Part 2

by Dr. Coach Love

 

 

Continuing… In Part 1, I stated that kids will make their own choices about drinking and that peer influence is a factor. I also believe that parents have a huge potential to influence (but not control) their choices.  There are approaches to take in steering your kids away from underage drinking.

 

I mentioned the 3-stage model of parenting regarding underage use of alcohol. The first stage is education, followed by prevention and intervention. Education starts very early and is ongoing.

 

Here are 5 tips to consider when educating your children about alcohol use:

 

1.  Utilize school programs about alcohol use.  They are great start. Have your children teach you what they learn from the programs.

 

2.  Do not rely on the school, however, to emphasize your family values. There is no substitute for family conversation.

 

3.  Take time to collect resources from your local alcohol education organizations.  They typically give away, loan, or rent movies, pamphlets and books. Attend the education workshops offered.

 

4.  Discuss with your children any relevant family history of

chemical dependency and your children’s inherited

risks.  Reveal personal stories as appropriate.

 

5.  Establish a practice of discussing news stories of alcohol related problems and tragedies. Be sensitive and sensible in what you choose to report.

 

Yes, underage drinking and supervision of teens are 2 of the most challenging aspects of parenting. Parents’ role modeling is a critical part of prevention.

 

Check back for Part 3 where I will discuss prevention tips.

 

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

 

Regards,

Dr. Coach Love

 

MORE INFO LINKS: Lists- 7 Intervention Tips for Under Age Drinking,

                                            9 Prevention Tips for Underage Drinking;

                                  Posts-Pt1 5-13-05, Pt3-5-19-08, Pt4 5-23-08;    

                                 Quizzes- Underage Drinking & Teen Drinking Choices

 

 

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