The Power of Parents: Setting Good Examples around Alcohol

This information was adapted from www.parentfurther.com , www.casacolumbia.org & www.lfcrac.org.

The one key component in alcohol prevention among teens is "The Parent". Several alcohol awareness articles this month have recommended a few key things parents can do or say to help set the stage for their kids to have a healthier relationship with alcohol during adolescence and adulthood.

• Research time and again suggests parent attitudes and behavior around alcohol help determine how their kids will relate to alcohol as well; both as children and later on as adults.  
• Family dinners have been suggested to be one of the most important things a parent can do during childhood to help prevent risky behavior. (3 or more dinners/week is best)
• Dads, we play a huge role in helping to develop our kids resistance skills against alcohol.  Research suggests that father's attitude toward alcohol and underage drinking plays a big part in our kids being able to make healthy decisions. So dads jump in there and be a part of the conversation.    
• All in all the parent is the one factor that can help our kids the most, when it comes to underage drinking prevention.
• Parents we are the role models. 

Here are some great thoughts and tips from ParentFurther.com about how you can become more aware of how your kids might be forming opinions about alcohol based on what we as parents do:

How you as a parent respond to situations that include alcohol—especially when your children are around—sends a very strong message. Make sure to think about your actions related to drinking and the repercussions they may have (especially with young children).

When you talk about alcohol, avoid statements that make it sound necessary or especially fun (don’t say things like “After the day I’ve had, I could use a martini!” around your kids).

• Model restraint in your own life—if you choose to drink, do so responsibly. If you or your partner struggles with alcohol abuse, seek professional help from a physician or addiction counselor.
• Don’t laugh at or glorify the actions of people who have had too much to drink—even those on television or in movies.  Feel free to take those media opportunities to ask your kids what they thoughts about the scene, or share your own feelings.
• If you choose to consume alcohol, be prepared to answer when your kids ask why they can’t. Keep your answer simple, such as “Alcohol isn’t good for growing bodies and minds.”
• Always offer plenty of nonalcoholic drink options when you entertain in your home to show your kids that grown-ups don’t need alcohol to have fun together.
• Set a good example for your children when attending holiday parties; just because it’s New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July doesn’t mean you should drink excessively.
• Remember that while making sure there is a designated driver shows good practice, judgment and responsibility; being too drunk to drive also sends a message to our kids. 
• How much constitutes too much to drink before you hand over the keys?  Remember your kids are learning from you.  If you show you will drive after 3-4 beers or glasses of wine, expect your kids to get that message. 
• Talk with your kids and let them know when and why it is ok to drive and when its time for a designated driver. (i.e. an example might be 1 drink per hour, 3 drinks per evening, use a DD after 2 or more drinks)

Whether you realize it or not, your kids are watching everything you do, and learning from it. By making sure that your actions around alcohol are responsible, you can send a positive message to your child long before he or she is forced to make a decision about using it.  This information was adapted from www.parentfurther.com, www.casacolumbia.org & www.lfcrac.org.