Parents Play an Important Role in Their Children’s Decision to Experiment with Alcohol
Studies show that parents have a great influence in their children’s decision to try alcohol. When parents create a supportive and nurturing environment for their children this allows them to feel comfortable and willing to talk to their parents about alcohol and other issues.
The Conversation is Most Effective before Children Start Drinking
Children are more likely to respect your rules and advice about alcohol use, when you talk to them honestly. When parents know about underage alcohol use, they can protect their children from many high-risk behaviors associated with it.
Some Children May Try Alcohol as Early as 9yrs Old
Most children know that alcohol are for adults. Between the ages of 9-13, children start to want to experiment with alcohol. Many children start to think that underage drinking is ok. It is never too early to talk to your children about alcohol.
The Chance That Children Will Use Alcohol Increase as They Get Older
About 10 percent of 12 yr. olds have tried alcohol, but by age 15, that number increases to 50 percent.The sooner you talk to your children about alcohol, the better chance you will have in influencing their decisions about drinking.
If You Do Not Talk About Underage Drinking, You Are Still Saying Something
Parents who do not discourage underage drinking may indirectly influence their children’s alcohol use.
