Talking With Kids About Underage Drinking

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Posted 15 hours ago

This is a sponsored post by Anheuser-Busch.

It’s never too early -- or too late -- to talk with your children about underage drinking. Starting the dialogue now means they’ll be better informed about the risks and more likely to keep the lines of communication open as they face new circumstances and challenges.

Before you start the discussion, you’ll need to think about the message you want to convey to your kids. That means clarifying your own position on the rules and consequences surrounding underage drinking. Remember to keep the conversation age-appropriate, giving them only as much information as they need. Here are some other things to keep in mind:

Know the laws. Be prepared to explain them to your kids, and help them understand how they’re designed to protect and keep them safe.Outline the risks. Kids may not see the less-obvious dangers and consequences, or they may be in denial about the more serious ones. Avoid using scare tactics, but make sure they’re aware. This includes outlining any punishments you’ll impose as a parent.Define the boundaries and be consistent. Don’t make exceptions for special occasions.Set a good example. If you want them to be responsible, you should show them that you know to do the same, and value the importance of doing so.Look at the big picture. Remind your children that they’re accountable for all their actions and choices, and the consequences -- good and bad -- of those decisions. Also emphasize that you love and support them and want to give them the tools to help them make positive choices.

Have you talked to your child about underage drinking yet? If not, when do you plan to?

For more tips about talking to kids about underage drinking, click here to download a helpful guide for parents. Or join the conversation on the Anheuser-Busch Family Talk About Drinking Facebook page.

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