NCJ Number
206755
Date Published
2000
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This booklet provides guidance to parents and guardians of youth between the ages of 10 and 14 about the importance and the strategies for keeping their children from drinking alcoholic beverages.
Abstract
Regarding the importance of parental action in this area, the booklet advises that kids who drink alcoholic beverages are more likely to be victims of violent crime, have serious problems in school, be involved in drinking-related traffic accidents, become sexually active at earlier ages, and develop alcohol dependence. Further, the longer children delay alcohol use, the less likely they are to develop problems associated with it. The booklet emphasizes the importance of a strong parent-child relationship in preventing their children's drinking and drinking-related problems. When the relationship between a parent and teen is full of conflict or is very distant, the teen is more likely to use alcohol and to develop drinking-related problems. Some keys to a strong parent-child relationship are open communication that encourages honest conversations between parents and children and expressions of caring. This booklet offers tips for parents in fostering open communication with their children before turning to conversations specifically about teen alcohol use. The booklet encourages "conversation" about alcohol rather than a "lecture." Suggestions are to determine what one's child knows about alcohol and under-age drinking, share facts about the dangers of alcohol use and abuse, and provide good reasons for children to avoid alcohol use. Suggestions are offered for various ways in which teens can respond when encouraged by their peers to drink. Prevention strategies described are to monitor alcohol use in the home, connect with other parents about monitoring teen drinking, keeping track of your child's activities, developing family rules about teen drinking, setting an example of nondrinking or moderate drinking, helping children develop healthy friendships, and encouraging healthy alternatives to alcohol use. One section of the booklet provides information to parents regarding a child's risk for developing a drinking problem. 7 annotated resources