As a parent, take steps to prevent your child from drinking alcohol while he is relatively young. According to The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than 50 percent of adolescents are initiated to alcohol use between the ages of 10 to 13. To be effective at helping your child abstain from alcohol, you must be a good role model and involve yourself in all aspects of your child's life. Get involved with community programs that have the goal of preventing alcohol consumption by minors.
Step 1
Express your concerns to your child's health care provider regarding adolescent drinking. Set an appointment for your child to discuss the issue with her. During the appointment, stay out of the examination room and allow them to have privacy. Your health care provider can explain the dangers involved with drinking alcohol, particularly at a young age. Your health care provider can then use her own discretion on whether your child should be screened for alcohol use.
Step 2
Communicate to your child your feelings about the use of alcohol. If your family has a history of alcohol abuse, go over the negative effects it has had on your family. Ask questions and encourage an open discussion. Even if you hear opinions that upset you, be calm and nonjudgemental. Let your child know that obeying the legal drinking age is mandatory.
Step 3
Demonstrate to your child that you drink responsibly. Never drink to excess, and never drink if you are going to drive. When you socialize in your home, invite friends who drink responsibly.
Step 4
Encourage your child to get involved with extra curricular activities. If he shows interest is a sport, participate in the sport yourself by helping him practice and attending his games. If he shows interest in a hobby, help him join clubs and organizations so he can interact with other children that have similar interests.
Step 5
Establish firm policies regarding your child's social life. Insist on meeting all her friends, and her friend's parents. If she leaves your home, have her report where she is going, and give her an idea of when you expect her back home.
Step 6
Write letters to local, elected officials and the media. The letters should express your feelings of support for strict enforcement of laws and regulations designed to prevent underage drinking. Among these laws would be strict enforcement of the legal drinking age, and the laws regarding driving while intoxicated.
Tips and Warnings
- Support school programs that educate adolescents about the dangers of drinking alcohol. Participate in parent and teacher associations, where you can attend meetings to voice your support for these programs.
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