TONE, TIME, AND PLACE
Talking to your child about alcohol doesn’t have to involve a formal conversation. In fact, other, more casual approaches may work better depending on your child’s temperament.
- Talking while driving or on a walk can make a conversation feel lighter. Without constant eye contact, your child may feel less like they’re in the spotlight.
- Use teachable moments when you see alcohol-related headlines on social media or in the news about celebrities, sports figures, musicians, or community members.
Your child will be more likely to engage if you really listen and come across as a trusted resource instead of as an authoritarian figure. Creating a family culture in which your child feels comfortable discussing anything and everything means they’ll be more likely to share information and ask for advice.