How to talk to your teen about drinking and driving

How to Talk To Your Teen About Drinking and Driving Susie Raskin MA, LMHC When it comes to parenting, some safety lessons we impart to our kids are simple. Look both ways before you cross the street. Don’t play with matches. Never put anything into an electric socket.

These things are black and white, clear as day. It would be nice if things stayed this easy, but they don’t.

As our kids become teenagers, we find ourselves inundated with a laundry list of lessons that must be shared: internet use, dating, bullying, sexual safety, just to name a few, and none of them are simple! Included on that “need to discuss list” is drinking and driving: Here are some thoughts on empowering our kids to take ownership of their safety: Teach them that they are valuable As a counselor, it’s not unusual for me to ask a teen to list positive qualities about themselves and have them look at me and shrug. Some kids don’t have anything to say when I ask them, “Who are you important to?” It’s sad, but true. Take the time and make the effort to let them know how much you love them, how much they matter to you, and how their safety is of utmost importance to you.

Set the example We often hear about how little ones are listening and watching everything we do and say as parents, but guess what? Teens are, too! Be mindful of your own behaviors and make adjustments as needed. Studies show that kids that grow up in a home where alcohol is consumed regularly or provided to teens (i.e. the “I’d rather have them drink at home” mentality) are more likely to become drinkers themselves.

Know who their friends are Pay attention to who your teen spends their time with. Get to know their families. A teen’s social circle is very important to them. Peers can have a lot of influence on kids, good and bad.

Encourage friendships that enhance your child’s life, not negatively impact it.

Saying No Teach them to recognize the signs that someone has had too much and come up with what to say and how to deal with it. A teen may want to be direct and tell them they don’t want to ride with the more that they shouldn’t be driving themselves. They may choose to enlist the support from other friends in talking to that person. Focus on supporting them and building up their self-esteem so that when a situation like this arises, they will feel equipped to face it.

Teach your teens to “own it” Their life is theirs. Their choices are theirs. It’s time to give them some freedom to get out there, but at the same time, help them to understand that choosing to drink puts them and others at risk for all sorts of danger.

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