About Families Online

Feature Articles for June 2003

(NUE)
From the beginning of the school year to prom season, there is one lesson that is best taught at home–responsibility toward drinking.

The latest research from the Roper polling organization shows that 71 percent of youths ages eight to 17 say that their parents are the number one influence in their lives when it comes to making decisions about drinking

Parents can learn how and when to talk to their children from Family Talk About Drinking, a free resource developed by an advisory panel of education, family counseling, child psychology and alcohol treatment professionals. By helping children to get the facts and to make the right decisions, parents not only help fight underage drinking, but they underscore the importance of personal responsibility in the many choices children will make.

At the core of the program are the following guidelines:
• Be a good role model. The example parents set as responsible adults is one of the most important ways they can communicate with children about drinking.

• Be factual. Give children the facts about drinking in an unemotional and straightforward manner.

• Have clearly stated rules. Share your opinions and beliefs about drinking and then discuss clearly
understood rules and consequences.

• Practice good parenting. Build your child’s self-esteem, communicate openly and teach responsible decision-making skills.

• Know your children’s friends. Be aware of the power of friends to influence children.

• Get help if you need it. If you think a sudden change in your child’s behavior may be related to drinking, seek professional advice immediately.

The Family Talk materials include printed guides in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese, and a video available in English and Spanish.

The Family Talk program has been endorsed by the American School Counselor Association and the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce, among other organizations, and is listed in the Prevention Materials Database maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For a free copy, visit www.familytalkonline.com or call 1-800-359-TALK.