Talk to college-bound teens about alcohol

nwi.com

By Sam Zakhari, senior vice president of science, Distilled Spirits Council

July 27, 2017

In the coming weeks, millions of college-bound freshmen will be leaving home for the campus for the first time. As parents prepare their teens for college, it’s important to set aside time to talk about alcohol.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, teens are much more likely to delay drinking when they feel they have a close, supportive tie with a parent or guardian.

Here are some tips for parents to guide the discussion:

Set clear expectations for academic achievement and responsible behavior.

Talk about alcohol facts, reasons not to drink and ways to avoid drinking in difficult situations.

Address how to get help on campus for themselves or a friend.

Keep in close contact to determine if your son or daughter is feeling overwhelmed, making friends, getting involved with activities and enjoying classes.

Make sure they know you are there to support them through this transition period.

Invest this time together to ensure your teen gets off on the right track for academic success.