Power of Parents ® High School Handbook
Chapter 5
Strategies that Help a Teen Succeed Teens are less likely to drink alcohol when their parents:
Empower choices. Encourage teens 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 that the teen is choosing between two desirable alternatives.
Give calm guidance. Offer clear-headed discussion and guidance about choices teens face that are important to their life path.
Respect their concerns, even when maintaining boundaries. Respect your teen’s urge for independence. However, it is still important to set clear rules against alcohol use and know where your teens are.
Phase in freedoms and challenges. Gradually reduce parental control so teens have more freedom and responsibility with each passing year.
Research shows: the more you connect with your kids, the more protected they are against alcohol and other drug use. CONNECT WITH YOUR KIDS
Have dinner together
Enjoy activities together
Talk to each other
Share feelings and concerns
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