The holiday time is quickly approaching and your children will be home from college, while high school, middle school and elementary schools will be relaxing on their winter recesses.
Make sure to institute your house rules. One particular rule of importance addresses underage drinking. These rules need to be communicated, consistent, and have consequences. Research continues to show that parents are the leading influence in a child’s decision to drink or not to drink alcohol. Believe it or not, they really are listening.
We already know that children have the easiest time finding alcohol in their own home, sometimes right next to the milk. Two out of three teens, aged 13-18, report it’s easiest to obtain alcohol from their homes without parents ever knowing.
Find out what's happening in New Canaanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Parents need to think about the following questions:
● Are you an easy source of alcohol for youth?
Find out what's happening in New Canaanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
● Would you know if a few beers went missing from your garage or basement refrigerator?
● Could you tell if a few shots of liquor disappeared from one of your bottles?
Tips for parents this coming holiday season would be:
● Take stock of your supply and monitor if it changes.
● Make sure your kids know what you expect of them by talking to them early and talking often.
● Hold your ground. Don’t provide, ignore, or excuse the use of alcohol with your own children or the ones you are supervising.
● Educate yourself on the laws.
● And remember no one can drink too much if they cannot get it!
If you need local support, please call:
● Department of Youth Services 203-594-3081
● New Canaan Police Department 203-594-3500
