{"id":2900,"date":"2021-12-06T04:34:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-06T04:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beta11.technodreamcenter.com\/360youthservices.org\/?p=2900"},"modified":"2025-11-19T04:35:47","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T04:35:47","slug":"the-power-of-choice-middle-school-edition-december-2021-issue-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beta11.technodreamcenter.com\/360youthservices.org\/the-power-of-choice-middle-school-edition-december-2021-issue-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The Power of Choice \u2013 Middle School Edition December 2021, Issue 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Having Open Conversations About Alcohol With Your Teen.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

It is not uncommon for parents to feel challenged when it comes to discussing the risks of alcohol with their kids. If you are feeling your own hesitations and concerns, know that you are not alone.<\/p>\n\n

While this topic can feel challenging, these are conversations that still need to happen. Youth will hear about alcohol from someone, and it is best they hear about it from their parent or guardian. Not every family or child-parent dynamic is the same, but there are helpful pointers for every parent to keep in mind when talking about underage drinking.<\/p>\n\n

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When it comes to addressing the risks of alcohol with your teen, keep your conversations honest and straightforward. It may be easy to feel emotional about these subjects, but the most effective way to get the message across is to stick with the facts. Share the truth with your teen. Your attitude towards alcohol also influences your child\u2019s. Try to avoid making jokes about underage drinking or drunkenness. The consequences of underage drinking are serious and should not be downplayed through humor.<\/p>\n\n

Another thing to keep in mind when you have each conversation is to choose a comfortable time and setting where both you and your teen are relaxed. This can help the conversation be natural and easy. Frequent \u201cshort talks\u201d tend to be more effective than one \u201cbig talk.\u201d Continuing the dialogue in short increments helps youth better receive the message and demonstrates the importance of the subject. You want the conversation to go both ways. Open the floor to your teenager and give them a voice to ask questions or share their feelings. If you are looking for a resource to help practice these conversations, download the Talk. They Hear You. app<\/a> for your mobile device.<\/p>\n\n

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Not Talking About Alcohol Still Sends a Message<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Parents can do their children a disservice by not discussing the risks of using alcohol and other substances. Teenagers are going to find out about alcohol one way or another. It is better for them to first discuss the subject and risks with a trusted adult who cares for them. The Internet, social media, and other peers can provide misinformation to teens. So asking what they know, what they have heard, assists you in helping them fact check the information they are receiving. If you are unsure of some facts, look them up together. Help your teen learn that health education or government agency resources are the most reliable places to seek information.<\/p>\n\n

Creating a Strong Parent-Child Relationship<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The best way to positively influence your teen\u2019s behavior is by maintaining a strong and healthy relationship with them. Research confirms that teenagers are more likely to delay drinking when they feel they have a close, supportive tie with a parent or guardian. There is no magic formula for forming this type of bond, but one of the best places to start is maintaining healthy communication. Healthy communication involves talking often and talking honestly. Take advantage of opportunities to have real conversations about not drinking during the teen years. At the end of the day, you want to be heard, and so does your teenager.<\/p>\n\n

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Vaping Prevention at Your Child\u2019s School<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Power of Choice Middle School vaping campaign continues to provide monthly newsletters, posters, and now a banner at your child\u2019s school. Students will see these posted throughout their hallways and on television screens, reminding them that their health matters! Each material provides facts and information on the potentially harmful effects e-cigarettes can have on their growing bodies.<\/p>\n

You can view the materials on our website here<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Power of Choice Middle School Coordinator, Terra Rumer holding up a vaping prevention education banner that went up in each middle school.<\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Additional Resources<\/strong><\/h2>\n