It’s estimated eight out of 10 high school students have tried alcohol at least once. People who start drinking alcohol at a young age are more likely to become alcoholics later in life.
That’s why it’s important to talk to your stepchildren about the risks of drinking. Below are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk about the dangers of drinking.
They Can Talk To You About Anything
Having a good relationship with your stepchildren is one of the keys to talking to them about any issue.
If you have a good relationship with your stepchildren, it will be a lot easier to discuss important topics such as drinking.
Be Open And Honest
Your teen may ask you about your drinking habits. Many parents will not be honest with their teens about drinking.
If you currently drink, then tell your stepchildren there is a difference between an adult and a teen drinking. It’s also important to set a good example for your stepchildren by keeping your drinking habits under control if you choose to consume alcohol.
Discuss the Consequences
Teens often live for the moment. They may not think about the short and long-term consequences of drinking alcohol.
Let your teen know there are many life-changing consequences that come along with drinking alcohol. For example, according to a well-respected Columbus DUI attorney, because they are under the age of 21, they could get in serious trouble with the law for drinking.
You should also let your stepchildren know that if they drive after they have been drinking, they could get into an accident and seriously hurt or kill themselves and others.
Additionally, you should tell your stepchildren that underage drinking can affect their physical and mental health. High blood pressure, liver problems and depression are just a few of the many health problems linked to drinking.
Drinking Will Not Be Tolerated
Teens desire independence, which is why they often test boundaries. However, you should make it clear to your stepchildren that drinking will not be tolerated.
Let them know that if you catch them drinking, then they will have to face the consequences.
Despite the fact that most teens have a drink before they graduate from high school, there are many things you can do to curb this behavior. You should communicate openly and honest with your stepchildren and let them know the two of you can talk about anything.
You should also inform them of the short and long-term consequences of this behavior. Additionally, you should set rules and let your stepchildren know there will be consequences if they are caught drinking.
