How to Counsel a Teen About Underage Drinking
Underage drinking can be a huge issue for many parents to deal with. Fears about drunk driving and peer pressure are on the forefront of many parents' minds. Take these few steps to make it a little easier to counsel a teen about underage drinking. You will not only ease your mind but communicate the facts.
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Instructions
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First decide the best method of approaching your teen. Figure out if talking to them formally or just mentioning it while doing a shared activity is the best method, according to your teen's temperament. Split the conversation up into small parts if possible.
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Center and ground yourself before attempting to talk to your teen. Make sure you are calm and collected, even if you suspect they could be engaging in underage drinking already.
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Sit your teen down, or engage him while doing an activity. Share your experiences with underage drinking as an ice breaker to make the conversation less threatening. Most teens are more apt to talk when they do not feel they will be punished. Try to be engaging and familiar and less authoritarian when breaching the issue.
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Make it clear to your teen you are not accusing them of anything and that you want them to be aware of the facts. Research statistics before talking to your teen and mix these in with some practical advice about alcohol. Communicate your concern for their legal safety and the importance of not driving.
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Ask them if they have ever had anything to drink, if you feel comfortable and you feel they will be honest. Let them know that you aren't angry, but communicate your feelings about the behavior in an understanding but clear manner.
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Make your conversation more of a bonding experience than a lecture and try to keep it somewhat light and without an air of persecution. Remind them how much you care about his health and survival. Make your presence available in case the teen feels in trouble about a drinking or alcohol related issue.
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Try to break the conversation up into manageable sections so the teen doesn't become uncomfortable or begin to ignore you. You don't want to lecture. You want to communicate your values on drinking and underage alcohol abuse.
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Tips & Warnings
Make it very clear that the legal drinking age is 21. If he is caught drinking underage, then neither you or anyone else will bail them out of a bind, considering the talk you just had. This expectation makes the teen responsible for his behavior and he will feel that he won't want to disappoint you.
Be responsible with your alcohol intake and they will not be able to catch you in a hypocrisy. Teens are especially sensitive to hypocritical actions and statements from adults in their lives.
Involve your physician in preventing underage drinking; it is crucial in your crusade to keep your teen safe and healthy.
The worst thing you can do is ignore the conversation; the outcome could be at best a bad hangover and at worst, death. Do not avoid the topic, your expectations must be known.
