Adventures in Parenting

No matter what the schools may say, and now matter how much they try to prevent it, alcohol always finds it way to proms and graduations.

Drinking had never been an issue for me when I was a teen. But I know teenagers now are often pressured to drink. Unlike other drugs, alcohol is viewed as s socially acceptable. So even good kids will be tempted to drink “a little.”

With graduation and prom coming up, parents need to talk about this issue of  drinking with their teenagers. Even if your kids are not going to the prom, I am sure they are going to some kind of end-of-the-year celebration.

How should parents talk to their kids about underage drinking?

The Health Alliance on Alcohol offers “10 Tips for Parents During Prom/Graduation Season.” There are some good ideas there on how to talk to your teenagers.

I offer 3 additional suggestions:

1. If your teen has had previous drinking issues before, make sure you set severe consequences. Let him/her know even a little alcohol will get him in big trouble with you.

2. Even if your teen’s friends are not the drinking type, it doesn’t mean the temptation is not there to try to be “cool”. Warn your child that he/she will see some kids drinking. Coach him on how to respond.

3. The safest way to go to the prom is in a limo. Share one with a large group, and the cost should be reasonable. Even if it’s more expensive, it is worth the money to know that your child will be home safe.