Underage Drinking
Summer’s here and despite all we know about the dangers of underage drinking, teens on Long Island and across the nation will consume alcohol in record amounts. That likely means more fatal motor vehicle crashes, overdoses, homicides, suicides, falls and drownings. Such tragedies are every parent’s worst nightmare, but the good news is this: alcohol-related deaths are 100% preventable.
Most parents know by now that providing alcohol to minors is wrong and it’s illegal. Here are some other tips, though, for talking with your kids about alcohol and drug use:
LISTEN. The key to effective communication is being a good listener. With teens, it is important to make the time to listen to them, especially when they’re ready to talk.
KNOW WHAT TO SAY. Find your own words, times and places that are comfortable for you to talk. You might stumble a bit, but that’s ok. Think about what you’d like to say and then speak from the heart.
MAKE TIME. Establishing regular “together time” with your child does a lot to foster trust and honest communication.
TALK ONE ON ONE. If you have more than one child, try to talk to each one separately, even when it’s about the same topic.
If you’ve got some additional questions about talking with your kids, LICADD can help. Please call us 516-747-2606 for free and confidential assistance.
