| Talk
with Your Teen… Studies time and time again have confirmed that parents can have a significant - if not most significant - impact as to whether their teens will engage in risky behaviors including the use of alcohol. Talk openly to your teen about alcohol. Create clear family rules and expectations by setting a "no alcohol" rule and supporting such an environment with "zero-tolerance" consequences if such rules are broken. |
| Provide
Structure… The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found that teen children of "absentee parents" were four-times more likely to abuse substances than children in highly-structured homes." Find a responsible adult, neighbor, relative or friend who can look in on your child or share the responsibility for creating activities for your children. The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign suggests you give your teens tasks (cooking dinner, doing chores, etc.) and make sure these tasks get done. In addition, most Washington-metro municipalities offer local teen-focused activities including teen centers and pool parties at nominal costs. |
| Host
a Party… Host a teen party in your own home following clearly-stated guidelines of no drugs or alcohol including: not serving beverages in easily-tampered cups but in cans or bottles; asking another parent to help chaperone; when a guest leaves, do not allow them to return; make your presence known; and if you suspect that a guest has used alcohol or drugs, contact their parents immediately.
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| Foster
Self Confidence… Instill self-confidence in your teen by talking with them about peer pressure. At some point, your teen will be offered alcohol. As the National Institutes of Health points out, "teens say they prefer quick 'one-liners' that allow them to dodge a drink without making a big scene." In addition, encourage and praise your teen for the good things they do. Participate in their lives and know what they're doing and with whom. |
| Lay
Down the Law… The District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia all have zero tolerance laws making it a crime to possess, transport or purchase alcohol if you're under 21. In addition, a new law went into effect last fall in Maryland doubling the penalties for teen drunk drivers with a one-year driver's license suspension even for first-time teens convicted of DUI in that state. |
| Ensure
Safety… Even if you have every confidence in the world that your teen won't drink alcohol, if he or she is out with someone who has made the mistake of illegally drinking, don't compound it by either making a second mistake of having him or her drive under the influence or driving with an impaired driver. |
| Beware
of Your Civil Liability… In most cases, it's unlawful for parents to allow their children's friends to consume alcohol in their home. If these same "friends" are later involved in a crash, the providing parents may be responsible for injuries, property damages and wrongful death. These same parents may also face criminal charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. In addition, last year Virginia enacted a new law explicitly prohibiting the serving of alcohol to teens in private residences with penalties ranging from up to one year in jail and or a $2,500 fine. |
| Be
a Role Model… Parents, themselves, should be good role models by making sure their behavior is appropriate. Use alcohol moderately, serve as a responsible host and never drink and drive.
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| Be
a Safe Boater… Whether it's the Bay or the Potomac, this summer, don't overlook area waterways as another venue where advanced planning and safety is paramount as 50-percent of all boating deaths are alcohol-related according to the U.S. Coast Guard. |
| Don’t
Wait… If you suspect that your child is drinking, intervene. Talk to your child and obtain qualified professional help if necessary. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that harsh, inconsistent discipline and hostility or rejection toward children has also been found to significantly predict adolescent drinking and alcohol-related problems. Set clear expectations and be consistent with discipline for rules not followed. |
