LET’S TALK ABOUT IT! When talking with your child about alcohol, don’t lecture them. Ask about their thoughts/ opinions on the topic. Use questions that start with how, what, and why. You might ask “How would you handle an invitation to a party with alcohol? What would you say? Why do you think drinking is dangerous at your age?” Help them practice thinking through the pros and cons of different alternatives. Do things as a family. Positive, shared family activities help protect kids against risky peer influences. Again, use the how, what, and why questions. For example, kids like looking at pictures of parents and siblings when they were young. Viewing family photos together can strengthen relationships and show how everyone goes through similar changes. These informal conversations also help keep the lines of communication open. By talking with kids often, the transition is easier when you need to discuss more difficult topics. Conversation Starters Ask how, what, and why questions to get conversations started and help your child’s brain develop. For example, you might try…”It is important that we have these conversations and things are differ- ent now versus when I was young: 1) What might you do if someone offers you a drink with alcohol? 2) How might you say no without looking bad? 3) Why do you think some kids think it is okay to drink when they are young?
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Let’s Talk About It!
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