Children who start drinking before they are 21 are at a higher risk of becoming addicted to alcohol later in life, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Mainstream media may glamorize drinking, but as a parent, you do not have to resign yourself to the idea that underage drinking is an unavoidable rite of passage. You can protect your child's present and future well-being by taking small steps to prevent underage drinking.
Educating
Talk to your child about the dangers of alcohol and how it affects the body, both physically and mentally. You may think you're stating obvious information, but keep in mind that movies and television may make drinking seem fun and exciting without demonstrating the negative aspects. Tell your child that alcohol is a drug that he can become addicted to or even overdose and die from if he consumes too much. If you have any alcoholic family members, be even more diligent about stressing the importance of abstaining from underage drinking, and advise him to limit drinking even when it's legal since alcoholism often runs in families.
Family Values
Inform your child of your own personal values when it comes to underage drinking. Knowing that you would disapprove or be disappointed in her behavior makes a child less likely to drink, reports the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Human Services Administration. Communicate exactly what your beliefs are when it comes to underage drinking. Speak in clear-cut language so she doesn't get confused or receive any mixed signals. Provide a positive example with your own behavior to back up your words. If you do drink, always practice moderation in front of your child. Otherwise, it may seem like you are saying one thing and doing another, which may make your child less likely to take your words seriously.
Setting Rules
Explain your household rules about underage drinking, as well as the consequences if your child breaks these rules. Be specific so your child realizes the seriousness of the situation and doesn't think "unspoken rules" exist. Let him know that he is not allowed to experiment with drinking or be in situations where others are drinking. Communicate the precise punishments that will occur if he breaks these rules. Make sure you stick to these rules and consequences if you discover your child disobeying the rules so he doesn't think you are not serious.
Observing Behavior
Pay careful attention to your child's behavior and who she spends time with. Find out exactly where she is going and make sure no alcohol will be involved. Even if other parents are supervising a social gathering, they may not have the same values as you about underage drinking, so always talk to your child's friends and their parents to make sure you feel comfortable with your child being around them. If your child and her friends are gathered in your home, make sure to check on them periodically to ensure they are not secretly drinking. Look for behavioral changes in your child, such as her seeming sadder or angrier than usual because depression or other difficulties may make a child more likely to drink, reports the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Talk with her about her feelings or take her to counseling if you notice drastic behavior changes.
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