Underage Drinking – what happens when adults send mixed messages? Are there alternative messages that may better keep teens safe? Below you will find some of the messages I repeatedly hear adults send when it comes to underage drinking. These are followed by the way teens often interpret the message. While the intent is clear… Continue Reading
Tag Archives: underage drinking
Underage Drinking – 5 Things Parents Should Consider To Keep the Message Clear
Underage drinking – sometimes a small change in how parents think or talk about or model drinking can make a big difference. “If you’re going to drink, just don’t drive.” “At least when I host the party and take away the keys, I know they’re safe.” “Drinking at high school parties is a rite of… Continue Reading
Teen Drinking – Should You Still Try Talking About It When They Come Home for the Holidays?
Teen Drinking – what do (or can) you say about drinking to a college freshman home for the holidays? Not only that, but what do you say to a senior in high school who’s finally in the home stretch to graduation? This is a tough position for parents. I know it was for me. But… Continue Reading
“What Were You Thinking?” – Understanding the Teen Brain
The teen brain. How many of us have found ourselves absolutely baffled by our teen’s behavior and in frustration, lashed out yelling, “What were you thinking?” or “Why did you do that!,” after another of their “stupid stunts?” How any of us recall our own “stupid stunts” and being asked the same questions, with no better… Continue Reading
Puberty and the Brain and Underage Drinking
Puberty starts a period of significant developmental changes in the brain. Many of these brain changes also influence a young person’s risk taking behaviors — such as drinking. Why would understanding puberty and the brain help with preventing underage drinking? And is it really that big of a problem? “Youth who start drinking before age… Continue Reading
A Different Kind of Conversation About Underage Drinking
Broaching the topic of underage drinking with your teen — now that’s a conversation stopper! It’s that time of year – graduating high school seniors off to college in the fall, 19 year old college students home for the summer, and parents concerned about how to talk to them about drinking at this stage of the… Continue Reading
Underage Drinking – New eBook Offers Conversation Starters
Underage drinking – how do you talk about it with your teen and what should you say? According to The Partnership at DrugFree.org, the MOST influential person in a child’s decision to drink (or use drugs) is their parent. “90% of addictions start in the teen years,” reports The Partnership. “Cut the risk in half… Continue Reading
Screening for Underage Drinking
Underage drinking — is a screening really necessary? And what could it tell you? 1 in 3 children starts drinking by the end of 8th grade … and of them, half report having been drunk. NIAAA This is the opening quote in the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s (NIAAA)’s recently released alcohol screening tool… Continue Reading