According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 30 people in the United States die every day in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. How can we make sure our teens are aware of the dangerous effects of underage drinking and driving? Kids in The House interviewed experts, including individuals with Responsibility.org, to help you have this important conversation with your teen. Here are four things you need to know:
1. Talk early and talk often.
Talking to your child about responsible use of alcohol at an early age is extremely important to setting a foundation of prevention early. You don’t need to tell them everything at first, but opening up the lines of communication early is important to starting a dialogue with them. Blogger of DadOrAlive.com, Adrian Kulp, explains that the conversation isn’t just about words, but it’s also about modeling appropriate behavior for our kids even when they are young. “I think it’s important we pay attention and are conscious about how we’re indulging around our kids, “ says Kulp. “And as they get older, understanding how they might perceive that.”
2. Don’t just focus on the consequences.
There may come a day when you catch your teenager drinking and you may ask, “What should you do?” Olympic Gold Medalist, Julie Foudy, explains that as parents our natural inclination is to immediately start giving them consequences. However, Foudy says it’s important to take the time to talk with them about why they made that decision in the first place as there could be underlying causes you are not aware of. She says it’s important to tell your children, “I am on your side and we are going to get through this together.”
3. Be involved in your teenager’s life.
President and CEO of Responsibility.org explains that one key part in preventing your teen from drinking is making sure you are aware of where they are and who they are with. He says you don’t have to be a “helicopter parent,” but encourages parents to be in daily communication with their teenager and be aware of things going on around them. “Really know what’s going on in your community because it makes a big difference,” says Blackman.
4. Don’t let them drink at home.
It has become a popular trend among parents to allow their teenager and their friends to drink at home. However, is this the best method to keeping teens safe? The answer is no. School psychologist and author Stephen Gray Wallace explained that research shows that “kids who are allowed to drink at home, even on just special occasions, are overwhelmingly more likely to be off drinking with their friends than are kids who are not allowed to drink at home.”
Do you still have questions specific to your teen? Join us this Thursday, April 9th at 11am PT for our #KITHangout, “ALCOHOL RESPONSIBILITY: Helping Your Teen Say ‘No’.” We will be joined by Responsibility.org and their experts and ambassadors including CEO Ralph Blackman, Olympic Gold Medalist, Steve Mesler, Parenting Expert, Dr. Deb Gilboa, and Parenting Blogger, Adrian Kulp. Click here to RSVP and ask your questions.
