Press Release

Talk with your kid about underage drinking this holiday

John Steinbach, Morgan Middle School Counselor

The holiday season is often a time when you spend more time than usual with your tween or teen. Kids spend a lot of time with friends, television, music and magazines, but they are also tuned in to you. Your words and actions impact them in many ways every day. Take advantage of this holiday season, and stave off the holiday doldrums, by striking up a conversation with your child about underage drinking.

Many parents underestimate the influence they have on their child. Research studies indicate that children are less likely to drink when their parents are involved in their lives and when they and their parents report feeling close to each other. Research also shows that children are less likely to drink if parents talk early and often with their child.

If you are stumped as to how to establish and maintain an open line of communication, try the following activity. By getting into the habit of talking with your child every day, it makes it easier for you to have conversations about serious subjects like underage drinking.

Play Reporter

Use these questions to interview your child and then let your child interview you. Let your child’s questions and answers lead you into a longer conversation. Remember to change the questions as needed based on your child’s age. For example, you might ask a teenager about his or her future goals, but you might ask a younger child, “What do you want to be when you grow up? Why?”

Be sure to practice active listening by showing interest in what your child says; this will validate your child’s feelings. If your child says something you don’t agree with, respond positively and try to find a constructive answer. Make sure your child knows your beliefs.

SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

What three words would you use to describe yourself? To describe me?

Who are some of your role models? What do you admire about these people?

What scares or concerns you? What makes you happy?

What are your future goals?

How would drinking alcohol get in the way of your future goals?

What would you do if you were offered alcohol at a party?

What would you do if the person responsible for driving you has been drinking alcohol?

What would you really like to ask me but are too afraid to talk about?

Visit www.kccn-dfc.com for more family activities to help you talk with your child about underage drinking. The Kittitas County Community Network/Drug Free Communities Coalition and the Community Network agency, through a federal Drug Free Communities grant, are implementing the “Start Talking Before They Start Drinking” campaign as a community service for parents. For more information on the campaign, go to www.kccn-dfc.com.