How to Remind Teens Not to Drink

You may have delivered so many warnings to your teens about drinking and driving that they probably think they've heard it all. Since you can never warn kids too much about the dangers of drinking and driving--here are some new ideas for getting the no drinking/driving message across.

Instructions

1. Add humor. In the '50s my Dad made up slogans to remind us what he expected. You can borrow these from me or make up some of your own. Humor is an effective way to grab a teen's attention. They're more likely to listen if you wrap even your important, serious warnings in an upbeat tone.

2. Repeat this saying as your teen is heading out the door: "A man who drives when he is drunk should haul his coffin in his trunk." The more you repeat it, the more it will stick in their brains.

3. Follow with this advice: "If you must drink and drive, drink milk and stay alive." Hand over a carton of milk or a can of pop as they're heading out the door. This unexpected prop will make the message clear.

4. Get to the point. Sometimes Dad would make his message very clear: "Drinking and drinking is not allowed," he'd say, and then warn, "If you ever try it, you'll wish you hadn't."

5. Throw in general warnings about driving too : No driving while dancing, no driving while sleeping, no driving while texting.

6. Make house rules. Remind yourself never to serve alcoholic beverages to your child's friends. Serve non-alcoholic beverages only and lots of food. If you host a party for teens in your home, you are liable. The other parents will not trust you if you supply their teen with liquor. If a teen shows up at your home with alcohol, call his/her parent immediately or arrange for a safe ride home.

7. Tell them: "Sober is the new cool." Ask your teen what his or her policy is about drinking. Have a discussion about parties where drinking occurs. Know their friends' habits too. Give them tips on what to do if they are feeling pressured to drink. Tell them they can call you and you will pick them up.

8. Have meaningful conversations. No warnings about drinking and driving are complete without conversations about your teen drinking alcohol in your own home. Do you allow your teen to drink at home with you at meals or on family occasions? Some parents feel that introducing responsible drinking to teens in the home is acceptable. They have allowed this without problems. While this is an individual family matter, some experts suggest that no one should drink before the age of 16.

9. Practice what you preach. Many parents say "don't drink" to teens, but they drink and are out of control themselves. Be sure to practice what you preach. If parents are drinking, parents should not drive.