Research shows that kids who feel close to their parents are less likely to drink.
Research shows that kids who feel close to their parents are less likely to drink. It’s healthy for tweens and teens to exert their independence, but it’s important that you stay engaged even as they begin to spend more time with their friends and less time with you.
Research shows that kids who feel close to their parents are less likely to drink. It’s healthy for tweens and teens to exert their independence, but it’s important that you stay engaged even as they begin to spend more time with their friends and less time with you.
Family meals is one of the best ways to build and maintain strong relationships with your children. Teens who regularly eat meals with their families are more likely to engage in positive activities and half as likely to use alcohol.
Try these simple family recipes and fun activities to make it easy to connect over the dinner (or breakfast!) table.
Family meals are a great way to build and maintain strong relationships with your children. Teens who regularly eat meals with their families are more likely to engage in positive activities and half as likely to use alcohol.
Try these simple family recipes and fun activities to make it easy to connect over the dinner (or breakfast!) table.
We can’t all be home with our kids in the afternoons and during school breaks—but these are the times when your child is most at risk for alcohol and drug use. Let your child know that you’re involved and aware of what’s going on with them.
Call or text regularly
Throughout the day, call or text to ask where they are, who they’re with, what they’re doing, and when they’ll be back.
Make a surprise visit
Drop in at home unannounced between 3–6 pm, the peak hours for experimentation with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and sex.
Get to know your child’s friends
Knowing who your child hangs out with gives you insight into outside influences.
Check in with other parents
If your child is headed to a friend’s for a sleepover or other extended period of time, text or call the parents to ensure they’ll be home and/or alcohol won’t be accessible.
Be a presence
If your teen has friends over for a party, periodically check in to “refresh snacks.” This allows you to keep an eye on things and make sure no one is using alcohol or other substances. You can ask another parent to hang out with you and take turns checking in so you’re not the only one being embarrassing.
Monitor your alcohol
Make sure your child can’t access alcohol in your home, and track how much you have.
We can’t all be home with our kids in the afternoons and during school breaks—but these are the times when your child is most at risk for alcohol and drug use. Let your child know that you’re involved and aware of what’s going on with them.
Throughout the day, call or text to ask where they are, who they’re with, what they’re doing, and when they’ll be back.
Drop in at home unannounced between 3–6 pm, the peak hours for experimentation with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and sex.
Knowing who your child hangs out with gives you insight into outside influences.
If your child is headed to a friend’s for a sleepover or other extended period of time, text or call the parents to ensure they’ll be home and/or alcohol won’t be accessible.
If your teen has friends over for a party, periodically check in to “refresh snacks.” This allows you to keep an eye on things and make sure no one is using alcohol or other substances. You can ask another parent to hang out with you and take turns checking in so you’re not the only one being embarrassing.
Make sure your child can’t access alcohol in your home, and track how much you have.
