How You Can Help Your Teen A common question we hear from parents is, “What can I do to help reduce the risks of my child getting hurt from substance use?” Consider the following case study: Teri has a son who is a senior considering attending an out-of-state university. Teri has talked to her son about drinking alcohol (and using cannabis) since he was in middle school and continues to “check in” fairly regularly. Teri and her husband, Chris, are typical parents. They prefer spending time with close friends and family on weekends while having dinner and drinks, but nothing ever out of hand and no cannabis use. In his senior year, they allow their son to have a small glass of wine or a beer on very special occasions. Otherwise, drinking is not allowed or encouraged. Teri has heard about the heavy drinking that goes on at parties and is concerned, like many parents, but feels that by keeping lines of communication open and talking to her son about the risks, she is doing all that she can. To the best of her knowledge, he avoids parties on weekends, but she knows there have been at least one or two occasions where he was out with friends where there was alcohol and cannabis.
What Parents Did Well
Impact on Child
Research Shows
The more parents talk with their children about alcohol and cannabis, the less likely they are to use them in combination. Parental modeling is strongly associated with children’s alcohol and cannabis use. The higher the quality of parent communication, the less likely their college-age children are to use alcohol and cannabis in combination.
They talk regularly with Jeremy about alcohol and cannabis. They model low, responsible alcohol use and no cannabis use. They continue to check- in and communicate openly with Jeremy.
Jeremy is informed about these substances and understands his parents’ position. Jeremy sees his parents’ responsible choices and embodies that in his own decision-making. Jeremy has many opportunities to ask questions and learn more, even as he grows up and enters college.
What Parents Could Change
Impact on Child
Research Shows
They allow Jeremy to have a small glass of wine or beer on special occasions.
Jeremy is more inclined to drink more often and in larger amounts when not around his parents. He believes that celebrations require alcohol. Jeremy does not see the 21 minimum drinking age law as legitimate or important to follow and is more likely to drink alcohol and use cannabis.
Studies show that allowing alcohol on special occasions is associated with increased frequency and amount of drinking. Using alcohol before the age of 21 is a known risk factor for negative consequences from alcohol and cannabis use.
They do not uphold the 21 minimum age drinking law.
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