Start the responsible drinking conversation and breakthrough to your teen.
Parents often think they’re getting through to their teens when they talk about responsible drinking, but most times teens are not getting the message. Getting the message through is important, there are many risks involved with underage drinking, besides just the legal repercussions. It’s our goal to ensure teens have all the facts to make smart and informed choices.
Every teen is different. Take our quiz and get tips that are specific to your unique teen.
If you are thinking about talking to your children about alcohol, good for you. Children can have no better help than a parent who thinks ahead, takes the time to be informed and uses their knowledge to help their children make informed choices. When alcohol does come into their lives, children are then prepared to make the healthy choices.
Clear rules are helpful, but good communication in which your child feels comfortable and well understood is equally important.
Youth say that their parents and family members are a big influence in significant life decisions. Start the conversation with your kids and help them make informed decisions.
For example, start with some celebrity gossip. Celebrities are a gold mine for terrible life choices. You’re talking about it already, so discuss how your child feels when their idols abuse alcohol or drugs.
Whatever their age, it’s never too early or too late to start talking. We know that talking about alcohol and drinking is sometimes not easy but getting the conversation started is the first step.
If you’re not talking to your kids about alcohol who is?
Kids this age absorb a lot of new information as they watch the world around them (sometimes more than we want them to!). Spend quality time with your preschooler to create an environment where your child will feel comfortable coming to you to ask questions or discuss their feelings, ideas and opinions. If you set a good example for your child from an early age, the more likely they are to drink responsibly in the future.
At this age, children learn about alcohol from other children and from TV, movies and what they see in real life. Talk to them about what they’ve seen and heard and ask them to think critically. Children this age also often enjoy learning about how the body works so try teaching them about the effects of alcohol on the human body.
Don’t be scary, be factual. Explain to your child that even though there can be negative consequences to consuming alcohol; drinking responsibly is not dangerous for adults. You don’t want your child to think you’re doing something wrong or to worry about your health. The important thing for your child to understand is that they shouldn’t drink and adults who choose to drink should do so responsibly.
Preteens are doing more things on their own, including choosing their own friends who will have influence with them.
At this age, children begin to understand the concept of actions and consequences. Discuss things like:
Opportunities to try alcohol are increasingly present as teens get older. Stay involved in your child’s life and be aware of who they are with and what they are doing.
When your teen wants to invite friends over:
Learn more about Alcohol and Adolescents
Young adults are more likely than older adults to consume alcohol in risky or dangerous ways, without considering short- or long-term consequences. Even though the decision to drink alcohol is ultimately theirs when they turn 18, you are still a big influence in their life.
The more you talk about alcohol, the more your child will understand the effects of their decisions and will be comfortable talking about drinking with you. Try to keep discussions in the present tense and talk about short-term consequences and encourage your child to share with you what they already know, or think they know, about alcohol. Don’t just talk about the negative physical effects – talk about emotional and social effects of alcohol consumption and if you’re comfortable maybe even share some (horror) stories of your own.
It might be awkward at first but you can power through! The best way is to approach it like a conversation, not a lecture. Try to let it come up organically and seize opportunities when you can, such as:
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At the dinner table You’re all gathered around eating and drinking, so why not talk about it? This is a good place to chat about the importance of eating while drinking and why that glass of wine won’t get you “wasted” because you’re sipping slowly and eating at the same time. |
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At a restaurant Again, you’re gathered around eating and drinking, so opportunity has risen. This time though, you drove here and you’re drinking a beer. Take the time to explain that this isn’t irresponsible as long as you’re within your limits and respecting the law. |
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Watching entertainment Drinking in TV shows and movies is common and typically ends in the characters making bad choices. Point out that alcohol affects judgement and behaviour. So now the cool teen heartthrob has lost his one true love! All because of the booze and maybe even a little peer pressure. |
Learn more on how to Talk to Your Children About Alcohol