Meaningful Moments: It’s Time to Have a Memorable Conversation

It’s important to talk to your teen about the risks of alcohol, whether or not you are worried that they may be consuming it underage.

Every teen needs to hear from you that underage drinking is harmful to their developing brain and body.

When parents are proactive and start these clear conversations early, it decreases their teen’s chances of engaging in underage drinking. It also shows your teen you care about them and their choices.

These chats are especially critical if you notice signs that your teen may be using alcohol underage. Intervening early on can enable your teen to make better choices before it becomes a habit rather than an occasional lapse of judgment.

HERE ARE SOME STEPS FOR MEANINGFUL INTERACTIONS WITH YOUR TEEN

• Set the tone. Make sure it’s a time your teen is in the mood to talk.
• Make it clear that you disapprove of underage alcohol use, and let your teen know the specific consequences if they use alcohol underage.
• Share some dangers of underage alcohol use, such as impaired judgment and risk of injury.
• Highlight positive character traits you see in them. Share something you’re proud of.

Funded in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.