Here’s a few things to tell teens about drinking

When your children are younger, it’s a lot easier to protect them from some of the social influences that come along like peer pressure. As a responsible parent, it’s a good idea to talk to your children about alcohol and its consequences when they hit their teenage years.

Here’s a few quick pointers that will help to frame any conversation: 

• Make sure they understand drinking alcohol has certain consequences when it’s abused. Poor grades and a deteriorating athletic performance can result if your teen starts to drink too much at an early age.
• Talk with them about the emotional consequences and how, in some circumstances, alcohol can cause depression, feelings of loneliness and even thoughts of suicide.
• Make sure they understand the severe consequences of driving an automobile while under the influence of alcohol.

It is also a good idea to discuss the warning signs of alcohol abuse. Teens need to be especially careful when alcohol becomes a central part of their social lives and they start neglecting other hobbies and functions they once enjoyed. If your teenager sadly becomes involved with alcohol make sure you get help by using troubled youth treatments.