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— Make Time to Listen; Take Time to Talk
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Make Time to Listen…Take Time to Talk about Underage Drinking
Many parents don't realize that one of the key reasons children choose not to drink is because they don't want their parents to disapprove. In reality teens are more likely to pay more attention to their parents' attitudes toward alcohol than whether or not it is right by the law. This means if they are made aware of the negative effects alcohol can have on their health, judgment, and decisions; they are much more likely to say no. In this regard, children model their behavior after their parents or older siblings, whether they mean to or not, and the way that their role models approach alcohol is very likely to be the way that they approach it as well. This means that you may also want to speak to your older children about setting positive examples for their younger siblings because they may not be aware of the examples they are setting. Abstaining from alcohol or only drinking in moderation, meaning no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks a day for men, will set the best possible example for your child. Most importantly, explain to your child why you abstain or use alcohol moderately. By understanding your point of view they will gain so much more than if you tell them to "just say no." The more communication with your children about this issue the better because if your children accept and understand your reasons for being abstinent or using alcohol in moderation then they will begin to develop their own reasons to practice the same behavior. Setting a positive example by using alcohol appropriately or abstaining from use will to give them a strong backing when they are later confronted with situations involving alcohol. They will remember your reasons and their own personal values, paving the way for them to "just say no." For more information please visit http://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov.
