• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Because dads don’t always think like moms™

  • Dad
    • Celebrities
    • Gay Dads
    • Sex
    • Single Dads
  • Pregnancy
    • Labor or Delivery
    • Pregnant Wife
  • Baby
    • Baby Naming
    • Feeding
    • Sleep
    • Toilet Training
  • Kids
  • Teens
  • Activities
    • Local
    • By Age
    • Movie Reviews
    • Celebrations
  • Toys
    • We Recommend
    • Toys
  • Coaching for Dads
  • Great Dad Talks Podcast

Preventing your children from abusing alcohol

November 21, 2011 by GreatDad Writers Leave a Comment

it goes without saying that underage drinking has become a widespread issue in modern American society. In fact, studies show that approximately 72 percent of students will have consumed alcohol before high school graduation and 37 percent will have by the eighth grade, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse – well before the legal drinking age of 21.

As a dad, it may be difficult to see your little ones as potential victims of alcohol abuse, but the reality is that more and more children engage in underage drinking every day. This issue is fueled by the portrayal of alcohol and other drugs in mainstream, young adult culture. As such, it's more important than ever to begin discussing the dangers of alcohol with your children at an early age and throughout their lives.

Most children are too young to comprehend the seriousness of alcohol consumption until middle school. As your children enter adolescence, you'll want to ramp up your conversations regarding this topic. During this time, share the facts of alcoholism and abuse so that your kids have a greater understanding about its real dangers. Ask them if they've encountered instances of alcohol or drug use in school and get their take about how that makes them feel. By encouraging an open discussion, you can better prepare them for the realities of peer pressure.

As your children move from middle school to high school, the potential for alcohol abuse increases. This period of development also comes with innate feelings of independence and rebellion, so it's especially important to make your child know that you trust and respect them as individuals. Avoid preaching to or threatening your children, as this may cause a rift in your relationship and push them toward open defiance. Your best hope at this point is that a lifetime of alcohol education and discussion has instilled strong values and responsible decision-making in your teens.

Filed Under: Dad

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
SIGN-UP TODAY to receive the only baby newsletter written by dads, for dads. Act now and receive a free copy of the popular GreatDad E-Book!
My baby's due date or birthday :
Profile picture
Privacy Policy and Terms
Baby Name Finder!

what's in a name

  • Show names for:
  • Boys
  • Girls
  • Either
Finding a name you can both agree on isn't always easy. Use our simple name generator to get started.
First Letter
Last Letter
Number of Letters
Origin
Find a name!

More to See

family under a cardboard

Over 40? The Five Types of Insurance You Should Have

October 22, 2022 By Contributing Authors

A Dad’s Guide to Bonding with Your Kids Through Computer Games

May 5, 2022 By Contributing Authors

Tags

529 Plan budgeting for teens college savings compromise dad dads Father's Day fatherhood friendship in-laws love marriage Movie Review parenting advice parenting skills prepaid cards ritual Sundays travel vacation

Footer

Hi mom!

Would you like to share this site with your husband or a friend?

Just enter his email address and your name below and we'll let him know all about GreatDad.com.

His email address
Your Name

Recent

  • Special Clarity session – $25
  • Over 40? The Five Types of Insurance You Should Have
  • A Dad’s Guide to Bonding with Your Kids Through Computer Games
  • 5 Ways to Prepare Your Child for a Surgical Procedure
  • How to get kids excited about dental hygiene

Search

Tags

529 Plan budgeting for teens college savings compromise dad dads Father's Day fatherhood friendship in-laws love marriage Movie Review parenting advice parenting skills prepaid cards ritual Sundays travel vacation

Copyright © 2023 . GreatDad