{"id":1369,"date":"2024-03-12T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-12T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kpthrivingfamilies.org\/pediatricsblog\/?p=1369"},"modified":"2024-11-22T13:29:02","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T21:29:02","slug":"tips-for-talking-to-kids-about-alcohol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kpthrivingfamilies.org\/pediatricsblog\/tips-for-talking-to-kids-about-alcohol\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Talking With Kids About Alcohol"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many of us have given our young teens a sip of our wine or other drink \u2013 with the best intentions! We assumed allowing tastes of alcohol at home would demystify the experience of drinking. We thought tasting it with us present would make alcohol less of a forbidden fruit, and our kids would be less likely to drink with friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turns out we were probably wrong. There appears to be no reduction in binge drinking or other harmful drinking behaviors in teens who tried alcohol at home. A recent study showed that allowing our underaged children to even sip or taste alcohol increases alcohol-related problems later in their teen years. Letting kids have whole drinks, even if only at holidays or family celebrations, may be associated with an increase in these risky behaviors.<\/p>\n

These studies reminded me of a story from several years ago. We were sitting around the dinner table with another family and our 2 boys who were about 6 then. Somehow, the topic of alcohol came up, and my son asked why grown-ups can drink but kids can\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Society\u2019s messages about drinking can be confusing for kids. We tell them they can\u2019t drink until they\u2019re 21, but TV shows, movies, and video games make it seem like everyone drinks \u2013 even teens! Some parents think alcohol use in teens is unavoidable and not so concerning. But\u00a0excessive drinking is responsible for more than 4,300\u00a0deaths among underage youth each year and accounted for $24 billion in economic costs in 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to start a conversation with your kids about alcohol early. That night we explained to the kids one reason they\u2019re not allowed to drink is because their young bodies don\u2019t metabolize alcohol the same way as adults\u2019 do, so it\u2019s more dangerous for\u00a0them.<\/p>\n

What do we know, what can we do?<\/p>\n

Despite the mixed messages about alcohol, we have a good understanding of how to prevent teens from drinking.<\/h3>\n

Stay involved with your teen and encourage discussion.
\n<\/strong>Teens are less likely to engage in risky behaviors like drinking if their parents pay close attention to their social lives. Set clear rules and expectations, but also have and encourage discussions.<\/a><\/p>\n

Take action to help your teen deal with life\u2019s stressors.<\/strong>
\n<\/b>Some teens use alcohol to decrease stress. If your teen seems stressed or depressed, or is facing challenging life events (divorce, death, financial struggles), seek advice or counseling services early.<\/p>\n

Be a good role model for your kids.<\/strong>
\n<\/b>Use alcohol wisely: drink moderately or not at all, never drink and drive, and choose a designated driver.<\/p>\n

Start the conversation about alcohol use early.<\/h3>\n

Preteens are still very open to learning from their parents. Start talking about the risks of alcohol use with preteens and continue with teens. Here are four discussion points for you to use.<\/p>\n

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  1. Ask why they think teens start drinking in the first place. The answers will likely include wanting to:\n