Teach children about drinking issues

Students may be diligent and hitting the books, but they are also going to Friday night parties, dances and other events where they may be tempted to drink alcohol. That means it’s a good time for parents to talk with their children about drinking, according to family therapist Lonnie Carton, PhD, former director of Family Support Services for Boston Partners in Education, and vice president of teen and family resources for WARM2KIDS, a web-based family and school support system.

By helping their children get the facts and make the right decisions, parents not only help fight underage drinking, but they underscore the importance of personal responsibility in the many choices their children will make. Carton offers these tips to help parents address the issue of underage drinking:

•Let them know that rules are made to protect them, not to punish them.

•Remind them to be in control of themselves and to base whatever decision they make on what they know is right.

•Tell them that if they face a situation they know isn’t safe, to call you immediately, no matter the time or circumstance—and assure them that when they do, they’ll be praised for making the a

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In fact, parents should begin talking with their children about drinking long before their teenage years, according to Carton.

“Many times, teens will have heard—or think they’ll have heard—everything they need to know about drinking,” she said. “But by talking with our children about drinking before their teen years, we can best prepare them to make the right decisions when faced with peer pressure to drink as teenagers.”

Carton recommends parents follow these simple guidelines:

•Be a good role model. If you drink, do so responsibly.

•Be factual when discussing drinking with your children. A “scare” can become a “dare.”

•Clearly state your positions and rules about drinking.

•Practice the fundamentals of good parenting, such as building self-esteem and encouraging twoway communication.

•Know your children’s friends and their friends’ parents.

•Seek professional help if you suspect your child has a drinking problem.

Carton is an advisor for the “Family Talk About Drinking Program,” a free guidebook and video offering advice to parents on how to encourage open, honest communication with their children on this issue. It’s available for viewing and downloading at www.familytalkonline.com or by calling (800) 359-8255.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.