Teenage drinking can be a dangerous problem, and it can be very scary for a parent. Unfortunately, many teenagers are exposed to alcohol at very early ages – as young as twelve in many instances. Teenage drinking is incredibly dangerous, and if you suspect that your child has a problem, it’s important to tackle the issue head-on. Open a discussion with them in a non-judgemental way. Educate them on the dangers of drinking with age-appropriate information. You can’t expect your teen to understand a healthy relationship with alcohol if they see you over-drinking. So model responsible alcohol use for them. And finally, remind them of how much you love them and care about them. Hopefully, you’ll be able to open a dialogue and help guide your teen to get some help for their drinking problem.
Teenage Drinking: How to Address It with Your Child
Open a Discussion
One of the most important things that can help prevent teenage drinking is to talk with your child. Start the conversation early in their life, and revisit it frequently. Let them ask honest questions and be truthful with your answers. If you suspect your teen is drinking, try to find out why they feel the need to do that. If they are drinking as a reaction to problems, get them the help they need to find healthier outlets for their stress.
Educate Them
Next, if you suspect your child is engaging in teenage drinking, educate them. Help them find age-appropriate resources about the dangers of alcohol. Especially the dangers of alcohol for young people. In as loving a way as possible, also try to educate them about responsibility and consequences for behavior. Be upfront about what you expect of them and what will happen if they continue their behavior.
Show Them Responsible Drinking
You can’t expect your teenager to have a healthy relationship with alcohol if all they see is alcoholism in their life. Try to model responsible drinking for them. If you feel like you need help with this, try to reach out and get support. For example, look into rehab facilities near you, or try your local Alcoholics Anonymous chapter. One of the best ways to prevent teenage drinking is to show them how responsible adults drink.
Assure Them of Your Love
Finally, when discussing teenage drinking with your child, come from a place of caring. For example, try not to approach the subject in a judgmental way. Instead, let them know that you are concerned because you love them so much and don’t want to see them get hurt. While it’s helpful to remind them about what will happen if they keep drinking, also remind them of how much you care about them.
Teenage drinking is a problem in our country and can lead to many health risks for teens. For example, each year teenagers die in alcohol-related car accidents. In addition, drinking early can harm the growing brain as well as other organs in the body. To prevent your teen from drinking, talk to them about alcohol early and often. Give them age-appropriate information or offer to let them speak with another adult if they’d feel more comfortable. Always model responsible drinking around them yourself. And finally, remind them that you are coming from a place of concern because you love them. Hopefully, you’ll be able to prevent teenage drinking and lay the foundation for a healthy dialogue with your child about alcohol.