Strategies that Help a Child Succeed Youth are less likely to drink alcohol when their parents:
Respect their concerns, even when maintaining boundaries. Respect your child’s urge for independence. However, it is still important to set clear rules against alcohol use and know where your children are. Give calm guidance. Offer clear-headed discussion and guidance about the choices they face that are important to their life path.
Phase in freedoms and challenges. Gradually reduce parental control so children have more freedom and responsibility with each passing year. Empower choices. Encourage children to make their own choices, even relatively minor ones, such as picking a place for the family dinner, choosing a movie to go see, and so on. Sometimes choices can be framed by the parent in ways the child chooses between two desirable alternatives.
Get Behind 21
The research is clear — the 21-minimum drinking age law has saved thousands of lives and reduced underage alcohol use. Many parents wonder if introducing their child to alcohol in a controlled setting will help them learn to drink responsibly. However, studies from both the U.S. and Europe consistently show the opposite: early exposure leads to increased binge drinking, not safer habits. There is no research to support the idea that allowing children to sip or taste alcohol teaches
responsible drinking. Instead, studies consistently show that early exposure is linked to more frequent and heavier drinking in high school and beyond. The most effective approach is for
Research shows: the more you connect with your kids, the more protected your kids are against alcohol and other drug use. CONNECT With Your Kids
parents to establish clear rules that alcohol is not permitted and to ensure their child knows to leave or contact a trusted adult if they find themselves in a situation where alcohol is present without supervision.
Have dinner together Enjoy activities together
Talk to each other
Share feelings and concerns
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