As my children enter their adolescent and teen years, I’m feeling more and more confused about the question of children and alcohol. Some parents I know believe as I do: total abstinence from alcohol. Some parents believe that if children are allowed to try alcohol at home in small quantities, they won’t be so tempted to indulge in an “off limits” substance when they are with friends. Please offer some professional opinion; many of us need your advice.

Every parent wants to raise healthy, happy children. In order to reach this goal, parents must have clear limits about adolescent alcohol use. Youth who drink before age 15 are four times more likely to become alcoholics than those who wait until age 21. Adolescents become addicts much more quickly because their brain and central nervous system are not fully developed.

The argument that a child who is permitted to drink alcohol will not be tempted to try “off limits” substances is simply not true. In fact, children who drink alcohol are more likely to use other illicit drugs.

In addition, drunk and drugged driving is the leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year olds.  Far better to have a child alive and angry with you for setting limits, than the alternative.

Most of these suggestions for raising healthy children come from Missouri’s Youth/Adult Alliance (MYAA). Talk and listen to your child about the impact of alcohol use. Refuse to buy alcohol for young people. Talk to your child when they come home to check for alcohol use. Make sure alcohol is not brought into your home or onto your property. Be at home when your child has a party. Be a good role model for your child by using alcohol responsibly.  Join with other parents to create alcohol-free opportunities for young people.

For more information, check out www.myaa.org.

Rebecca Zimmer, LCSW
Prevention Services Coordinator
Discovering Options
St. Louis, MO

It is not unusual for adolescents to be curious about alcohol and drinking. Parents have the responsibility to teach their children to make sensible choices about drinking. It is important for parents to give their child information about how alcohol affects them.

There are reasons public consumption of alcohol beverages by those under the legal drinking age is unlawful. Alcohol can be misused and people must be old enough to take responsibility for drinking. Alcohol interferes with judgment, affects many of the body’s organs and systems, and interferes with normal brain development.

It is important for parents to keep the lines of communication open. Guidelines for communicating with kids about drinking include; be a good role model, be factual, have clearly stated rules, practice good parenting, know your children’s friends, and get help if you need it. Studies show that parents have the most influence over teen’s decisions to drink – or not drink, so it is critical that parents use it.

Further information on talking with your kids about drinking can be found at www.asklistenlearnparents.com and www.beeresponsible.com (Ed. Note: This site is sponsored by Anheuser Busch).

Susan A. Didier, MSW, LCSW
Community Based Program Supervisor
Family Support Network
314-963-1450

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