Talk To Your Teen About Underage Drinking #ABFamilyTalk, #IC #Spon
There are hundreds of brands out there manufacturing the shoes. All footwear at Bourne is hand-crafted especially by Opanka construction…
I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Influence Central for Anheuser-Busch’s Family Talk About Drinking Program. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
During spring, many teens across the country head to prom and graduation parties. As a parent, those events are frightening. Will there be alcohol at the party? If there is, will my teen drink? Will their friends drink and drive them home?
The best thing we can do as parents is to talk to our kids. The GfK Roper Youth Report has shown that parents (yes, us) do have an influence whether our teens choose to drink alcohol. The same study shows that there is a 24% increase in parents’ influence since 1991. In other words….they are listening, so be sure you are talking.
Family Talk About Drinking Program
Anheuser-Busch has created the Family Talk About Drinking Program to help us talk to our kids about drinking alcohol. The discussion should be an ongoing one. Not a lecture that you give once and then hope they got it.
The Family Talk About Drinking Program talks about the three stages of parenting, which are:
- Being A Teacher (ages 1-7): Parents teach their children how to navigate the world and explain things to them.
- The Facilitator (ages 8-13): Parents need to start the important conversations including the one about drinking.
- The Coach (ages 14-21+): Parents are their for support as they become more independent. There when we are needed, but let them start to make their own decisions.
My Personal “Talking To Your Teen About Underage Drinking” Story
Before I get to the tips to help you talk to your teen about underage drinking, I want to share a personal story.
My oldest just finished his Freshman year of college, but when he was younger, we talked a lot about drinking, both underage drinking and after 21. I hoped that he was getting the message, but you do not really know until faced with a decision.
After his first college party, he said, “Mom, I did have a really good time and you now what? Other kids were drinking and I chose not to and I still had a good time. I didn’t need to drink to have fun and fit in.” He remembered all the discussions we had and most importantly, he said, NO!
Tips For Talking To Your Teen About Drinking
Focusing on the coach stage of parenting, here are some tips for helping you coach your teen about underage drinking during the prom season.
- Finding time to talk to your teen is difficult sometimes. Use the prom season as a good opener for the conversation. When my son went to prom, we needed to sign a permission slip which included the rules of prom. One of the rules was “no drinking,” and I used that time to tell my son exactly what I expected from him at prom.
- Connect with your teen by listening first. Your teen is more likely to talk to you about those difficult issues if they know you will listen to them.
- Help your kids come up with solutions to the problems they may face. Role-playing is a fun way to come up with great solutions. (My son is a theatre major, so we have fun incorporating his passion into serious discussions.)
- Check in with a call, even if it’s just to tell them you love them. It seems like common sense, but when you tell a teen you love them, you may get blank stares and eye-rolling. But they need to know you still love them and are aware of what is going on.
- Have a plan. My kids and I have a plan in place for them to contact me if they need help and are not sure what to do. They text me “0000.” That is my signal to call them. Maybe their ride home from the prom is drunk. Maybe there is alcohol at the party and they didn’t know beforehand and they are uncomfortable. Having a plan will help your teen make the right decision.
Your teens are listening, so go talk to your kids about underage drinking!
$25 E-Gift Card Giveaway
ENDED! Influence Central is providing one of my readers with a $25 e-gift card. Take your teen to lunch or get some ice cream. This would be the perfect opportunity to talk about underage drinking with your teen.
Important Note: Contest entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstake, per household as part of a campaign sponsored by Influence Central. Be sure to read all terms before entering.
Disclosure: I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Influence Central for Anheuser-Busch’s Family Talk About Drinking Program. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
There are hundreds of brands out there manufacturing the shoes.
All footwear at Bourne is hand-crafted especially by Opanka construction and the
use of adhesives and machinery is minimal while creating the
shoes, thus making the designs eco-friendly. The
cable breaking system is also new feature added to
the line of three wheel strollers.
I always try to be honest and upfront about any past experiences. I don’t drink and always encourage responsibility with my kids such as not doing what others do and what can happen if you drink under the legal limit and over indulging when you are of age.
Be honest with your teens about past experiences. Be serious with them, but have an open line of communication.
My tip is to be realistic.
Just be honest and talk to them and tell them not to give in to peer pressure.
My best tip is to be honest and speak to them frequently
Be a role model to you kids and explain the facts to them.
I don’t have any stories to share. I think role playing and discussing ” what if’s” is important.
You have to be a good role model first, kids do what you do. Also, pick a time to talk to them that’s non-threatening. For example, while driving in which the kid doesn’t have to look at you.
Just to never iv in to peer pressure.
being honest is a must
I know nothing about raising teens, but I’d say making sure that they’re comfortable approaching you with questions or to ask for advice without worrying about harsh judgment is always helpful!
My tip is to talk to the teen. Let him/her feel comfortable talking to you. Explain the hazards of drinking and driving.
I would say just to keep communications open and talk regularly to your teen.
My tip is to let it be an informal chat while doing a fun activity together.
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The best way to talk to them is to show concern and explain the consequences of drinking.
It may not be for all families but my teens need the shock treatment sometimes. Ive used the internet to share stories and pics to help them see how serious it is. MADD id a great site.
Be honest and tell the truth with examples.
Be honest and straight to the point about it.
I have had one on one conversations with my son about these kind of important topics and not give in to peer pressure and let him know he can come to me about anything.
I dont have teenagers but I would probably tell a stupid story about a time I drank in high school and why it wasn’t worthid. I think its important to be honest about it.
My tip is to show them some facts and statistics of what can happen when drinking underage. Also, lead by example!
My tip is to point out news stories about the negative things that can happen when teens drink.
My son isn’t a teen yet, but I try to talk to him about it already.
First, Parents need to be good role models, and show their kids that they do not drink excessively, and try to keep the liquor out of site. Make sure to start talking to children at about 10 years old, and tell them the dangers of drinking under age, and what not to do. Talk openly and make sure that they can talk to you about anything!
My tip is to be honest and straightforward about the facts and your concerns.
I think taking them out to eat and talking would be a good idea.
My tip is to talk to your teen about how alcohol can damage their health
The best way to talk to them is to get them in a comfortable place and let them ask you questions about it.
My kids aren’t teens yet but I have always told them not to give into peer pressure.