How to Talk to Your Kids About Drinking
I polled my IG followers about what they wanted to hear from me this week and this was it. If you don't have kids feel free to read on and share these tips with friends who might need them. Here are a few thoughts on how to talk to your kids about drinking.
Start early, set a good example + keep the conversation going
Start early
According to SAMSHA.gov research shows that parents are the #1 reason young people decide not to drink. So, start talking to your children about alcohol before they start drinking—as early as 9 years old. Even if it doesn't seem like it, they really do hear you. I stopped drinking when we were all home during Covid so my kids got a front-row seat to the show 😂 My children are 17, 16, 12 + 10, and alcohol use is something we talk about regularly. My 10 and 12-year-olds have committed to “being sober forever” and, whether or not this is true, I love that they know the facts about what alcohol does to the brain and body.
Set a good example
“Do as I say, not as I do” was how I used to talk to my kids about alcohol. Eventually, I decided that I wasn't comfortable with my drinking habits and I wasn't comfortable with my kids witnessing that. You are your child's biggest role model and they notice what happens when you drink. They might have questions for you. Give them the space to ask. “They” say you should stop drinking for yourself. I stopped drinking for myself, but my kids were a very close second - Honestly, they were tied for first. Not everyone needs to stop drinking alcohol, but everyone needs to be mindful of how they drink around their children.
Keep the conversation going
This is not a “one-and-done” conversation. Bring it up often. You'd be surprised how much your kids have to say about drinking if you give them a safe space to talk about it. Talking to your kids about alcohol can be uncomfortable, but it's important and will help them make smart decisions and keep them safe. Need a few talking points from the NIAAA?
You want your child to avoid alcohol.
You want your child to maintain self-respect.
You want them to know drinking is illegal.
Drinking at their age can be dangerous.
You may have a family history of Alcohol Use Disorder
Here is a link with a lot more info.
