Preparing for Moments: Talking about underage drinking with your teen

No one likes to be caught off guard. Prepare yourself to capture a memorable moment with your child when you discuss underage drinking.

It’s important to know your facts because the conversation will change as your children move through middle school and high school. Starting with the basics and evolving into “what if” scenarios is perfectly logical.

• Let’s say your teen is at the driving age. Make sure they know that alcohol-related deaths and injuries are a major risk of underage drinking.
• As your child gets older, realize they probably already have their ideas about alcohol or may have been exposed to it at some point. Be open to hearing their experiences and build trust with your teen through listening.
• What-if, what-if, you’ve heard this from your child at one point or another. Discuss the what-ifs of underage drinking. What if they are in a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable? Discuss an exit plan. Also, tell them that standing up to underage drinking can make their friends strong enough to do it, too. There is strength in numbers.