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As a parent, you have one of the toughest jobs in this society. It can be very difficult to sort through all the mixed messages that society promotes, especially as it pertains to alcohol. Your child deserves a clear, uncompromising message from you.

Here are a few suggestions that may help to make your job a little easier….

1. Encourage regular, open conversations at home about all issues related to drugs and alcohol and impaired driving, bringing accurate facts and honest concerns to the table with a solution-focused approach. The ages 9 to 11 are a good time to start with serious conversations and plan-making.
2. Strike a family deal that if your children cannot get home safely, they can call home for help or take a cab, no questions asked.
3. Ensure your kids always have cab fare or chits and/or a public transportation schedule on hand.
4. Set a good example because they’re watching you. Be moderate or abstain in your own use of alcohol. “Do as I say, not as I do” just doesn’t cut it with this group.
5. Teach your children about true friendship. When peer pressure hits, they’ll be able to stand up to their friends. Get to know their friends and their friends’ parents. Work together with them to provide a consistent message.
6. Don’t be naive. Watch for signs of abuse like dropping grades, switching friends, missing money, and withdrawal to name a few. If you sense a problem, seek help. It could save their life.

(*modified and reprinted with permission from MADD San Diego)

For more information, please check out our brochures What Do You Do and Alcohol, Teens and Catastrophe as well as MADD Canada’s Youth Report and MADD Canada’s new Youth website.