4 Easy Tips to Keep Your Teen From Drinking
Drinking alcohol is linked to a wide variety of issues that include an increased vulnerability to violence, poor decision making and may lead to using other drugs in the future. Preventing teen alcohol use may be simpler than you think. Studies have shown that kids with a strong relationship to their parents are less likely to drink alcohol and more likely to seek help from an adult in situations where alcohol is present.
1. Build Your Relationship with Your Teen
A strong relationship with your teen is the best way to prevent the use of alcohol. Take the time to spend quality time with your teen by planning time to do activities one-on-one. You don’t have to do anything expensive or extravagant, but make sure that you are relaxed and in a receptive mood. Love and guidance are still important to teens, even though they may not show that they still need your care.
2. Talk About Drinking Alcohol
Communicating openly with your teen about what you expect is the best way to share your beliefs and values about using alcohol. Teens who know what their parents expect have the tools that they need to resist peer pressure. Set up a time when you are comfortable and relaxed to speak to your teen about drinking. Even young teens can benefit from sharing ideas about how to handle peer pressure or what to do when they are in a situation where alcohol is present.
3. Get Involved
Introducing your teens to alternative activities is an opportunity to reduce the risk of your teens using alcohol. Teens can join a sport, learn to play a musical instrument or begin a new hobby to reduce the chances of being exposed to alcohol use. Remember to let your teen choose the activity that is right for them. Consider taking them to speak with a DUI lawyer and learn about the full repercussions of their possible actions.
4. Host Your Own Party
Hosting a party is a simple solution when your teen wants to have fun with their friends. The party can be as simple as serving snacks and playing popular music. Set some ground rules beforehand to ensure everyone knows what to expect. For example, decide on the number of people that can come to the event and then expect your teen to stick to the number. Online RSVPs make it simple to plan a party and your teen will love sharing the event with friends in a safe environment.
Jayla Barnsen is a freelance blogger from Eugene, Oregon. She is a lover of the outdoors and spends all of her spare time hiking Oregon’s many National Forests. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University.
