~provided by New Opportunities
As children approach their teenage years they begin to encounter new stresses in life. Peer pressure and curiosity sometimes take over. Experimenting with new ways to deal with stress also begins at this age. They see adults having fun and drinking alcohol for various reasons.
No matter the reason, we need to encourage teens to make the right choice. Statistics show that youth who start drinking before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse in their lifetimes than those who begin drinking at age 21 years or later. Every day in the United States, more than 4,750 kids under age 16 have their first full drink of alcohol (SAMHSA).
Having a conversation with your teenager is a good way to help them make informed choices. Here are some tips to help you with those conversations:
• Have short, frequent discussions with your child about alcohol.
• Talking often builds an open, trusting relationship with your child and makes it easier when more difficult topics like alcohol come up.
• Lots of “little” talks are more effective than one “big” talk. Catch them at dinner time, on a car ride, or during a commercial while watching t.v. This is less intimidating for both you and your child.
• Be clear and consistent on your personal views and beliefs about alcohol.
• Remember as your child gets older the conversation changes. Information should be age appropriate.
• The conversation goes both ways. Be sure to give your child a chance to express their opinions to you as well.
• What you do is as important as what you say. Your actions speak loud! You are setting an example for your child. If you choose to drink, drink responsibly and NEVER drive under the influence of alcohol. Remind your child that any alcohol in your home is off limits!
Help to keep kids safe! Have a conversation about alcohol with your child today!
New Opportunities Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention Departments offer information, education, and consultation services to schools, businesses, and community based groups, many of which are free of charge. If you are interested in learning more on this or other substance abuse topics, please contact Nancy Rowedder, Prevention Consultant, at nrowedder@newopp.org or call 712-792-9266.
