S-U-M-M-E-R Tips from Positive Directions

Positive Directions would like to remind parents that summer vacation means many teens are looking forward to more free time and less responsibility.  For precisely this reason, the summer months can present new challenges for parents.Here’s a list of simple things parents can say and do to help their kids stay alcohol and drug free.

1.  Set rules:   Let your child know that under-age drinking is unacceptable. The majority of kids say that upsetting their parents or losing the respect of family and friends is one of the main reasons they don’t drink or use other drugs. Set limits with clear consequences for breaking them.  Praise and reward good behavior.

2.  Understand and communicate:   Take time to learn the facts about underage drinking and talk to your teen about its harmful health and social effects on young users.

3.  Make sure you know where your teen is:   Know where your teen will be and what they will be doing during unsupervised time. Research shows that teens with unsupervised time are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as underage drinking, sexual activity and cigarette smoking.

4.  Make sure you know who your teen is with:   Get to know your teen’s friends and their parents by inviting them over for dinner or talking with them at your teen’s soccer practice, dance rehearsal or other activities.  Stay in touch with the adult supervisors of your child (camp counselors, coaches, employers).

5. Engage your teen in summer activities:   Enroll your child in a supervised summer camp, educational program, or a summer sports league. Research shows that teens who are involved in constructive, adult-supervised activities are less likely to drink or use drugs

6.  Reserve time for family:   Spend time together as a family regularly.

For more tips on talking with your teen during the summertime or anytime visit:

http://underagedrinking.samhsa.gov/conversation.aspx