Parents and Underage Drinking

As parents, we are willing to do whatever it takes to keep our children safe. With our infants we have them immunized to ward off disease. When they begin establishing independence as young children we discuss “stranger danger” and give them the skills to protect themselves. With our teens we set curfews and emphasize safe driving. We are even willing to talk about the dangers of illicit drug use. But preventing your teen from drinking before he or she is 21 can often be one of the most difficult issues you—or any parent—may face.

Perhaps you think that drinking alcohol as a teen is “rite of passage” because you drank as a teen because the legal age may have been 18 and you turned out OK. And, the thought of answering the question, “Did you drink when you were a teenager?” is enough to leave any parent speechless when it comes to talking to your teens about alcohol use.

Don’t panic. Here you can get the information, facts and answers to those tough questions so that you can talk to your child about making the smart, responsible and legal choice to stay alcohol free until the age of 21.

• Getting Started
  Start by understanding some of the reasons teens say they drink.
  
• How to Talk to Your Teen
  You may think your teen won’t listen to you, but think again.
  
• Tough Questions and Comments
  “Did you drink when you were a teen?”
  
• Tips to Protect Your Teens from Drinking
  Tips to help you protect your teen from drinking alcohol.