I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Anheuser-Busch’s Family Talk About Drinking program. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
As a mother of two teens, I am happy to announce that I was recently selected to be a part of the Anheuser-Busch “Family Talk About Drinking” Ambassador Program through Mom Central. Over the next few weeks I will be posting about ways parents can talk to their teens about and preventing underage drinking. My son is currently a freshman and my oldest daughter will be going to high school next year. To be honest I really thought as a parent I was prepared for all the teen issues parents face. I admit I was expecting the attitude, occasional back talking and at times, making my teens so angry they wasn’t speaking to me, then of course the peer pressure that teens face daily. However, I don’t think that I was aware how different this generation of teens is compared to when I was that age. Sure, they face the same issues as we did but now it seems like they have so much more pressure as before.
As parents, we know that teenagers are faced with decisions about underage drinking throughout the year, but with proms, graduations and all the after parties that are coming up, their mood is high and they may be more vulnerable to drinking alcohol. The sad fact is, these events and parties can encourage underage drinking. My kids are great kids for the most part and I want to say they are not going to be easily influenced. I also think as parents we have properly educated and prepared them on how to make the right choices.
I have always felt that it was a good idea to begin talking my children about underage drinking and all the other import topics when they are young. However, I know that I need to continue to have these talks whenever the opportunity arises, or whenever they ask related question. I have learned over the years if parents speak calmly about the subject and maintain eye contact with their child, your children will listen to you. When parents resort to lectures and don’t actively listen to what their teens have to say, they probably will tune their parents out.
What aspects of underage drinking should parents and teens talk about?
Emphasize that driving while underage is against the law and an arrest is possible.
Underage drinking is not a healthy lifestyle. It can affect the development of the brain.
Car accidents can happen resulting in serious injuries.
Drinking can lead to impulsive behavior such as unintended sex and pregnancy.
There is a difference in how alcohol affects girls and boys.
These are strategies for parents to help teens deal with drinking situations.
Be sure to set up clear boundaries and consequences for non-compliance.
Have a conversation about underage drinking situations in the past and how your teen dealt with them. Talk about their uncomfortable feelings.
Talk about ways your teen can tell friends or strangers they decline to drink alcohol.
Let them know that they can always call you to get picked up if they are in an uncomfortable situation.
Be sure to check back on my blog for other great tips but in the meantime make sure to head on over to Anheuser-Busch Family Facebook page to download the Family Talk About Drinking guide today!