Your Kids Are Watching

Research shows that children start feeling pressure from peers to experiment with drinking alcohol around ages 9-13, but as a parent, with your guidance, your child can learn to make the right decision. Some suggestions as to how you can help protect your child:

1. Be a good role model. Your actions as a parent speak just as loudly as talking to your child about alcohol and drug use. Parents who set a good example through their social habits have kids who do better in the areas of school, employment, relationships, coping and other life skills.
2. Ask other family members or friends to serve as positive role models for your child.
3. If you drink, never drink to the point of being intoxicated. Parents’ abuse of alcohol or other drugs significantly increases a child’s chances of using, using early and developing a substance abuse problem.
4. Have family dinners and parties without serving alcohol to show your child that it’s not necessary to consume alcohol in order to have fun.
5. Never drink and drive.
6. Never send the message that alcohol or other drugs are to be used to reduce stress or solve problems.
7. If you have a problem with alcohol or other drug use, get help.
8. Obey all laws. Know the laws about underage drinking in your state. It’s illegal for minors (those under age 21) to possess alcohol and it’s also illegal for an adult to supply alcohol to a minor.
9. Talk to your child about the dangers of underage drinking. Explain that drinking alcohol may affect learning due to young bodies and brains still developing.
10. Set clear rules for your child about alcohol and other drugs. Be firm about the consequences if rules are broken.