Resources for Parents
Local and national studies have confirmed underage drinking as a major problem for youth.
Parents can play a major role in lowering the chances that their son or daughter will drink,
but often miss opportunities. Here are some ways you, as a parent, can be a positive influence
in your home and community:
In the Home:
- Remember that parents are a huge influence on their kids—even teenagers! You may think
that having one or two conversations about drinking is enough, but teens see thousands of ads
and media images that glamorize drinking. Talk early and often about your expectations regarding
alcohol use.
- Many recent studies show that parental acceptance of alcohol use is a good indicator of whether
or not teens will drink. When teens get the message that drinking is acceptable, or a “rite of passage,”
they are much more likely to drink. Clearly communicate your expectation that your son or daughter
will not become an underage drinker; it matters more than you think.
- Parents sometimes think underage drinking isn’t dangerous. Educate yourself on the special
dangers alcohol poses to young people. Heartland Coalition offers a sensible, free program called
Family Matters that helps parents get right to the heart of issues
like alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD). Family Matters helps get the conversation underway,
especially with 12-14 year-olds. Other great features about Family Matters are:
- it’s FREE! There is no cost to participate.
- it’s EASY! No meetings to attend and you can go at your own pace.
- it’s QUICK! Four sessions are mailed to you one at a time as you finish,
or you can download them when you’re ready.
If you would like to sign up for Family Matters or have questions about the program, contact
Heartland Coalition Parenting Specialist Mike Dobbins at 827-0377, or by e-mail at Mike@ProjectOz.org.
Mike is also available for other parenting questions you may have.
- Stay involved in your teen’s social life. Parties become a big part of life for many teens,
and can be a fun way to make friends and practice social skills. However, if left unmonitored,
they can be trouble.
- Set curfews and consequences, and follow through on enforcement. Be consistent.
- Be aware of signs that teens may be using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. Signs of alcohol,
tobacco or other drug use can include:
Personality or Behavioral Changes
- Lack of interest in school, sports or other activities that used to be important
- Withdrawal, isolation from family or friends, change in friends
- Lack of cooperation/defiance of rules, change in attitude
- Slipping grades/absent often
- Memory lapses, poor concentration, change in motivation to perform
- Increased need for money
- Sudden concern for privacy of things
- Vague about whereabouts
Physical Changes
- Change in appetite or weight
- Blood shot eyes/dilated or constricted pupils
- Smell of alcohol on breath, or sudden, frequent use of breath mints
- Frequent diarrhea, sweats, muscle aches
Some of the signs of drug use can be viewed as normal teen behavior. However, if more
than a few of these signs are present, there could be a serious problem. If you think your
child may be drinking, smoking or using other drugs, talk to him. If you need help with this,
contact your doctor, school counselor, or your local hospital. Addiction can and does happen
to teens; it’s a disease that may require professional help.
In the Community:
- Once you have become educated on the dangers of underage drinking, SHARE that info with
your friends, co-workers, other parents, relatives, and anyone else who spends time with teens.
- Be aware of the ways alcohol is presented in your community—at community events, family
events, and local media. When you see a problem, speak up about it. If you need help, there
is probably an agency or coalition you can go to with your concerns. It can take a long time
to influence a community’s culture regarding alcohol use, but it’s important that the work you
do in the home is backed up by the community. Find like-minded people who will help strengthen
your message.
In the Schools:
- Encourage children to get involved in supervised after-school activities.
- Take advantage of volunteer opportunities at school.
- Find out about the school’s policies regarding ATOD, to include consequences,
screening, education and prevention programs.
- Find out what the school does if a child is suspected of using or is caught in
possession of ATOD.
- Seek out and join a Parent Anti-Drug Network. Several schools in McLean County have
networks of parents who agree to supervise parties, have conversations with their children
regarding alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and communicate with each other about social events.
For more information, you can contact Heartland Coalition. We can tell you if your school has a
network. Contact us at coalition@chestnut.org to
inquire about your child’s school.
For more excellent information for parents, see the website where much of the information on
this page came from: www.thecommunityofconcern.org
Other Resources
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