Are any of you discussing the risks of underage drinking with your kids? I am working with a new web site: www.underagedrinkingprevention.samsha.gov that is dedicated to helping parents with this subject. There is helpful information available about the risks of underage drinking. One fact that stands out to me is that those who drink before the age of 15 are six times more likely to have alcohol problems than those who start drinking after 21.

Alcohol Awareness Month begins on Thursday, April 1. Have any of you thought about discussing this topic with your kids or what you might say when you decide to do so?

By Mommy3girls on Monday, March 29, 2010 - 01:26 pm:

Great Topic! Being the Mom of 2 teens right now - My DH & I are STICKLERS on no alcohol. Probably has something to do with me being a Police Officer too.
Some of My DD's friends parents are under the impression that if you provide the alcohol at your house & allow them to drink in your presence and take all the keys from the drivers - then thats OK. NOT ME!!!! That will NEVER be an option in my house. My girls know the rules - I stress them every single time they head out the door. It's a little crass but I call it the "3 B's" NO BOOBS, NO BOOZE AND NO BOYS. The hear it constantly & knows what it means! I know it will only work for so long - but another good one I use with them is "If you wouldn't do it in my presence or think I would approve of it - then DO NOT DO IT!"

By Northcountrymom on Monday, March 29, 2010 - 07:19 pm:

Wow - thanks for bringing up the topic.

We see a lot of the kids picked up under NYS open container laws.I am always grateful to the officers who draw a line in the sand and make it clear this isn't acceptable - this is illegal and a problem.

If you have any drinking in your family history - that is one of the most important issues. It is so helpful to talk about predisposition based on genes, what kids see, the ex husband/wife's history...

Love the prom lock-ins and other planning to have sober after parties etc.

SADD is such a great group - its in most high schools now - really helps kids find supportive non-drinking friends/peers.

By Mommy3girls on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 01:22 pm:

As a police officer I do ALOT of public group talks on this subject - SADD, drivers education classes, Neighborhood watches, etc etc. Can NOT get enough information out there to Everyone!