MADD Teen Influencer
January 2024
a drink, it is very likely a child will feel it is a normal or necessary part of life enjoying life. Parents have the power to exhibit responsible behavior by showing the young people in their lives they don’t need alcohol to have a good time. Adults can also make sure that if their children are in attendance when drinking is involved, that they are being properly supervised or given alternative activities outside of the home. MADD offers resources created just for parents to start the conversation on how to talk to their kids about alcohol, including a parent-teen agreement complete with house rules and expectations. The attitude that kids are going to drink anyway, so why not teach them how to drink safely, is the wrong approach. Data shows that teens who drink at home are more likely to do so with their friends in ways that are risky and oftentimes reckless. The connection between parent and teen drinking is a reminder of the role parents play in influencing their kids’ risk of substance abuse. If parents want to keep their kids from drinking every time a special occasion occurs, they should begin by looking at their own consumption.
Teens can also play an important role by deciding early on to refrain from drinking, no matter the amount of peer pressure that might come at parties or gatherings. By arranging alternative plans with friends instead of attending a party where alcohol will be present, teens can take control and make safer choices. This boosts self-confidence and creates a community of like-minded peers.
Activities like going to the movies, bowling, or even roller or ice skating, can be a fun and active way to connect with others without feeling the pressure to drink. Additionally, if parents take the time to prepare for tough conversations about the dangers of celebratory drinking with their teens, they can be a part of the planning process. Offering to host a supervised party or a dinner for a few friends or just spending one on one time with their teen can make a huge impact. These strategies can help parents relay to their teens that there are numerous ways to make life’s milestones unforgettable without drinking.
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