Alcohol is one of the most widely available substances in America. For many adults, it is something they use to celebrate with friends and to have a good time. For many others, though, it can become a problem that ruins their lives. The addictiveness and side effects of alcohol are one of the many reasons why it is illegal to use it if you are under a certain age in America. However, when it comes to your teenage kids, talking to them about underage drinking can be very difficult.
How do you reach them without them getting upset? How do you explain the dangers of alcohol and particularly underage drinking without them tuning you out and making it seem like you’re just trying to tell them what to do?
We’re going to talk about all of this and more so that you hopefully have the information you need to talk with your kids openly and honestly about why drinking underage isn’t a good idea. That way, the lines of communication and respect can stay open should they need to talk to you.
It’s Never Too Early to Start Talking
You don’t have to make it a lecture, but the earlier you start talking to your kids about alcohol and the effects it has on people, the better. It often works out better for parents to be honest about drinking, rather than trying to vilify it or praise it as a fun activity you get to do as an adult. Studies have shown that kids who see something as off-limits are more likely to try it themselves if they get the chance. There are ways you can help prevent this behavior.
Start a dialogue early and answer any questions your kids have about alcohol without making them biased against it or for it.
Give Real World Examples and Back Up Your Statements With Facts
The one thing you should never do to kids when talking about something like underage drinking is trying to persuade them with lies or hyperbole. Not only can teens often see through this, but as they get older, it makes them more likely to rebel. If you are concerned about them getting access to alcohol as a teenager or drinking, explain to them in real terms the dangers of underage drinking and why it’s best to wait to drink until they are old enough.
Science says that the teenage brain is not fully developed yet and that underage drinking can harm development and actually may impair cognitive function. Use this information to your advantage. Put real stakes and consequences on the line.
Unfortunately, most people know at least one person who has been injured or gone to jail as a result of drunk driving or drinking in general, so use those facts and examples to give your teens a real-world picture of what drinking can do. And, according to JB Katz Law, an underage person can get arrested for driving under the influence if they register only a .02 blood alcohol level.
Set Positive Examples
You’ve likely heard “you’re doing it so why can’t I?” before or something similar. If you want your teens to avoid underage drinking, then make sure you practice what you tell them and only drink responsibly. Never get behind the wheel, don’t drink excessively, and remember the consequences of too much drinking.
If you set the proper example and are open and honest with your kids, chances are they won’t even be tempted to drink until they are old enough to do so legally and responsibly. You can also urge your kids to look up their own facts and statistics about drinking. Nowadays all the information they could ever want about the harmful and tragic effects of underage drinking is available right there on the web. Encourage them to self-educate so that they don’t just have to take your word for it, as they can see it for themselves.
These conversations are never easy, but with a little patience and respect, you can talk with your teen about underage drinking and help them understand just how dangerous it can be to their still-developing minds and bodies.
