OAK LEAVES FAMILY SERVICE
COLUMN, APRIL 1998
I've heard that kids in our community as young
as junior high age have held drinking parties. What can I do to help my
kids avoid the temptation to experiment with alcohol?
You're right to be concerned. Alcohol use among teenagers, and even preteens,
is a serious problem. The use of alcohol is directly associated with the
leading causes of death and injury among our youth.
While you may think drinking is something you needn't be concerned with
until your children reach high school, think again. One out of four 8th
graders report having been drunk at least once in the past month, according
to a study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. In 1996, more
than 55% of 8th graders had tried alcohol and more than 75% found it easy
to get. Since the median age at which children begin drinking is just over
thirteen years, we must make sure our children understand the facts -- and
our strong concerns -- about underage drinking.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. If
you'd like to learn more about adolescent alcohol use check out these
resources:
- Substance Abuse Prevention Services Programs -- Barb Grimes-Smith,
Family Service & Mental Health Center 383-7500 ext. 315
- Substance Abuse Advisory Council of Oak Park & River Forest
-- 524-5506
- A Parent's Guide to Prevention -- Free booklet from U.S. Dept.
of Health & Human Services (800) 729-6686.
- Parenting for Prevention -- How to Raise a Child to Say No to
Alcohol/Drugs -- Write for free booklet to: Miller Family Foundation,
P.O. Box 831463, Stone Mountain , GA 30083-9929
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Here's a startling just released fact. Teens who dive into the world of
drinking before they are old enough to drive stand a more than 40% chance
of becoming alcoholics sometime in their lives. The finding comes from the
largest alcohol survey ever conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol
Abuse and Alcoholism. The researchers found that the chances of developing
alcoholism or abusing alcohol increase dramatically the earlier a person
begins drinking.
"Parents need to realize that they are the single, biggest influence in
their children's lives," says Barb Grimes-Smith, Prevention Program Coordinator
at Family Service & Mental Health Center of Oak Park & River Forest. "Even
when peers begin to edge out parents in the teen years, kids tell us that
their parents' opinions and respect mean a lot to them."
Grimes-Smith speaks regularly to youth and parent groups on the realities
of youth substance abuse, providing awareness and skill-building techniques
to discourage adolescent experimentation. "While our schools do a good job
teaching children how to say no to alcohol, drugs and cigarettes, it's essential
that parents reinforce the message at home," she says.
Grimes-Smiths suggests several actions parents can take:
- Talk to your child about alcohol. Make sure he or she knows the facts
regarding alcohol use well before they reach the age they will be asked
to experiment. Take advantage of every teachable moment -- use news
stories, television shows and movies as opportunities to discuss alcohol
use.
- Listen to your child. Know what is going on in your child's life at
home, in school and with friends. Make a point of getting to know your
children's friends. Keep the lines of communication open by really listening
to your child.
- Be a good role model. Even very young children are aware of their
parents use of and attitudes toward alcohol. Be aware of what you're
communicating to your kids when you "need" a daily drink to unwind after
work.
- Set firm rules about drinking. Make sure your family rules are clear
and consistent. Tell your kids that they are not allowed to drink. Be
sure they know what the consequences will be for breaking the rule.
- Talk with other parents. When your child is going to a party or gathering
at another child's home, pick up the phone and make sure a chaperone
will be present and no alcohol will be served. Remember, other parents
are going through the same thing you are and will appreciate your concern.
- Limit your child's time alone at home. Be aware that experimentation
often takes place between 3 and 6 pm when children are left alone at
home. Never leave your teenager home alone for the weekend.
Located at 120 S. Marion, Oak Park, Family Service & Mental Health Center
of Oak Park & River Forest is a not-for-profit social service and mental
health agency that provides counseling, psychiatric and prevention/education
programs to men, women, youth and families. To learn more about our programs
or to make an appointment, contact us at (708) 383-7500.
