How to Write a No Alcohol Contract

The possibility of teen alcohol abuse can tear at the heart of every parent. You know they're going to face the temptation to drink when they're not with you, and you want them to understand how important it is to make the right decision. Writing up a contract with your teen gives them input into the process and allows them to see how important it is to you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Sit down with your kids and discuss your thoughts on teen alcohol abuse. Make sure you hear your kids as they talk. This needs to be a discussion, not a lecture.
2. Ask them if they will consider an alcohol contract. You might have to explain what an alcohol contract is and what signing it would mean. Let them take a few days to consider this before you meet to discuss it further.
3. Allow your kids to have a say in what is put into the contract. This gives them ownership of their behavior and makes it much more likely that they will adhere to the agreement.
4. State in the contract that your child is not to engage in teen alcohol abuse. Also write down how she is agreeing to react when offered alcohol, or is in the presence of others using alcohol. By giving your kids a chance to practice the expected behavior, you make their chance of success much greater.
5. Determine together whether your teen is going to talk to you if he witnesses other teens abusing alcohol. Talk about whether he is expected to provide the names of those who were drinking.
6. Sign the no alcohol contract with your kids and put it in a visible place as a reminder. You may be unaware of it, but they will be reminded of that agreement every time they see their signature.