Small Talks: Preventing Underage Drinking In Wisconsin
Alcohol can do lasting damage to a child’s growing brain, impacting everything from how they learn and make decisions to how they handle emotions. Nationally, the rate of underage drinking is decreasing. Unfortunately, Wisconsin is not following this trend. The percentage of Wisconsin teens who have tried alcohol exceeds the national average. 1 in 6 Wisconsin high school students have reported trying alcohol by age 13, meaning it is important to start conversations about alcohol use early.
The good news? You don’t need a big speech to help your child understand the dangers of underage drinking! Start small instead. Having many small, casual conversations – at the store, in the drive-thru, or between video games – can make a big difference in your child’s health. Start these conversations around age 8 to prepare kids to make a lifetime of healthy decisions.
Why start talking at 8? Research shows this is when children start to form their earliest opinions about alcohol. By having these conversations, you can help your child sort out what they hear from friends for have seen on TV, before someone hands them a drink.
Wondering how you can start these conversations? Don’t worry! It is easier than you might think. Start with short, casual conversations that will help you connect with your child about important topics, like underage drinking. Choose moments that feel right to you. Not sure where to start? Asking a simple question can be a good way to get the conversation flowing. Check out these examples. For kids age 5-7 try something like, “When do you think someone is ready to try alcohol?” or “Why do you think it is illegal for kids under the age of 21 to drink alcohol?” For tweens age 8-12 try something like, “Have you ever seen an adult drink too much? What did you think or feel?” or “What could you say if you were offered a drink and you didn’t want to look foolish?” This is also a good age to start practicing how to deal with peer pressure. For teens age 13-17 try something like, “Are you worried about becoming addicted to alcohol or drugs?” or “What happens at parties you go to?”
Once the conversation gets rolling you may face some tough questions. But this is a good sign! Questions mean you child is engaged and your talk is on the right track. Small Talks WI has provided some answers to the tough questions you might be asked such as, “Did you drink when you were a kid?” or “If alcohol is bad, why do you drink?”. Check out those answers and other talk tips at www.SmallTalksWI.org.
Remember, you can’t actually control your child’s actions and decisions when they are out of your sight. But you can give them the tools and values to make good decisions. You can help them to be prepared if they are ever offered alcohol. Giving kids the tools to handle peer pressure is one of the most important things you can do to help them make healthy choices. Visit www.smalltalkswi.org for talk tips, facts, and more.
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