CITIZENS RALLYING FOR CHANGE ON ALCOHOL

During adolescence the relationship between parents and children changes dramatically and a new balance must be found, concerning the authority and the power parents have over their teenager.  During this period of time, parents still have a decisive influence on their child’s development. The parenting/discipline style they use in dealing with the teenager and the conflicts aroused, has immediate impact on the behavior and the choices of the young person.

Parenting a teenager can be described a process of changes and mutual growth. The active presence and the closeness parents have in their relationship to their children is even considered as more important than in any other stage of child development.

The role of parents at this stage is described as to be attentive, to mobilize with directing, if necessary, to support them when they fail and to praise them when they succeed.

This parenting style can also be described as the “mentoring” of the teenagers in his/her growing process. This parenting role also implies that teenagers have the opportunity to take on responsibility for his/her own behavior and to experience the positive or negative consequences of his/her choices.  

It is important that parents give children the opportunity to make mistakes, to experience failure as well as success, to learn to cope with the frustration if their wishes.

As a parent, you play a vital role in influencing your child.  You serve as a role model on the use of alcohol, control the availability of alcohol in your home, and help set your child's expectations concerning drinking behaviors.  A recent study shows that children whose parents are involved in their lives — hold regular conversations, attend after-school events, and listen to their problems — are less likely to drink or smoke.

In the home, take these steps:

• Set a good example for your children regarding the use of alcohol.

• Encourage your children to talk with you about their problems and concerns.

• Get to know your children's friends and discuss ways your children can avoid drinking when they are feeling pressured by peers.

• Talk to other parents about ways to send a consistent, clear message that underage drinking is not acceptable behavior or a "rite of passage."

• Encourage your children to participate in supervised activities and events that are challenging, fun, and alcohol free.

• Learn the warning signs that indicate your children may be drinking and act promptly to get help.

• Make sure you're at home for all your children's parties and be sure those parties are alcohol free.