It is common for teenagers to want to experiment while they are still at a youthful age. One of the most typical behaviors that you will want to watch out for when raising a teenager is underage drinking. Not only is underage drinking illegal, but it can be extremely dangerous for their health and for others around them. To prevent underage alcohol use, it’s time to start talking with your teen about drinking and its risks today. Teen drinking can start as early as their pre-teen years, as it is very easy to acquire alcohol. Take advantage of these six tips for talking with your teen about drinking before it’s too late and to aware of the dangers that are out there.
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Developing a Future Drinking Problem
While your teen may think that underage drinking is no big deal and that they only do it on occasion with their friends, drinking at such an early age can actually contribute to developing a major drinking problem in the future. Talk to your children about avoiding situations where alcohol may be present. Make sure you teach them to drink responsibly when they are old enough; they can use these memberships and programs, but teach them discretion.
Long-Lasting Health Effects
Teens may not want to hear it, but drinking can play a major role in leaving them with long-lasting health effects that can take a toll on their entire lives. For example, drinking while the brain is still developing may cause impairments in brain functions. Talk with your teens about these dangers and dealing with memory loss and loss of motor skill functions due to alcohol consumption.
Automobile Accidents
Many teenagers feel as though they are invincible and that nothing bad can happen to them. However, underage drinking is one of the number one causes of fatal automobile accidents. This leading cause of teen deaths can be prevented by talking with your children about these risks and encouraging them never to get in a car with someone who has been drinking.
Alcohol Poisoning
In addition to other health risks that drinking has on underage teens, alcohol poisoning is a major concern. Drinking to a dangerous level when your body is simply unable to handle it can lead to serious injury or even death from poisoning.
Talking Openly and Honestly
One of the best ways to talk with your teens about drinking is by being open and honest with them. Be open about your family’s history with drinking and allow them to ask any questions that they may have about drinking and substance abuse.
Set Expectations
Teenagers are less likely to start drinking if they are aware of how strongly their parents feel about it. Talk with your teens about your expectations for them and that you do not want to see them go down the wrong path in life. Communicating your values can be a real advantage in keeping your children from drinking.
