New School Year Equals New Challenges

New School Year Equals New Challenges

Parents, Talk With Your Students about Not Drinking When Underage

(ARA) - At the start of a new school year, students fret about things like who their lab partner will be, will they make honor roll and if they will have a date for the homecoming dance. While parents can't control every variable of their child's life, they can help them excel at responsible decision-making and dealing with peer pressure.

This is especially important when it comes to the subject of underage drinking. According to the 2007 GfK Roper Youth Report, 71 percent of 8- to 17- year olds say their parents are the No.1 influence on their decision whether or not to drink alcohol. Some parents may find it difficult to talk with their children about drinking, but there are many ways to effectively address this issue that make a lasting impact.

"Creating an atmosphere of open communication where no subject is off limits and where parents actively listen to their child will make it easier to talk about more sensitive issues like alcohol," advises Lonnie Carton, Ph.D., director of teen and family resources for the Web-based "Warm2Kids" program and an advisory panel member of the "Family Talk About Drinking" program. "I encourage parents to start talking with children about underage drinking early, ideally between ages 9 and 11, and then continue the dialog throughout the teen years."

Carton offers parents these tips to help them be a positive influence on their children and teens:

* Be a Good Role Model -- The example parents set as a responsible adult is one of the most important ways they can communicate with their children about drinking. Parents who drink should demonstrate that they do so responsibly and in moderation. In families that don't drink, parents should still talk with their children about alcohol and why the adults in the family don't drink.

* Be Factual -- Parents should give children the facts about drinking in an unemotional, straightforward manner.

* Have Clearly Stated Rules -- Parents should share opinions and beliefs about drinking, and then make clearly understood rules and consequences if those rules are broken.

* Practice Good Parenting -- Build self-esteem, communicate openly about all things, be an active family together and teach responsible decision-making skills.

* Know Their Children's Friends and Their Parents -- Parents should be aware of the power of friends to influence their children. Also, learning about other families' values and rules will help parents monitor their own children.

* Get Help If They Need It -- If a parent thinks a sudden change in their child's behavior may be related to drinking, they should seek professional advice immediately.

Carton continues, "There are many right moments for parents to broach the topic of drinking with their children, for example during a family dinner, while watching a Sunday football game or before a teen heads off to a party with friends. Explain to them that the majority of their peers don't drink, that underage drinking is illegal, and that if they ever find themselves in a situation where alcohol is present to never be afraid to call home for help. Remind them they will only hear praise if they make that call."

For more tips on positive parenting and preventing underage drinking, visit www.myspace.com/positiveparenting.

Courtesy of ARAcontent