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Your goal is to help your child feel comfortable talking to you about alcohol, even if some of her ideas make you shudder. Be ready to answer some common questions.
Q: Why is alcohol so bad for me anyway?
A #1: It interferes with your judgment. You might make really dangerous mistakes like going to places you shouldn't.
A #2: There are long-term effects, too. Drinking too much over a long period of time can damage just about every organ in your body.
A #3: What's most important is that you're young and your body and brain are still growing. Alcohol dangerously interferes with that growth.
Q: Grown-ups drink alcohol, so why can't I?
A:First, it's against the law. And there's a reason for that. Alcohol can be misused, and people must be old enough to take responsibility for drinking. It's not just a fun thing. Statistics show that adolescents who drink are highly prone to accidents, and dangerous situations. Plus you're young and your body and brain are still growing. Also, privileges come with age. Parents not only get to drink, they get to go to bed later, drive cars, and vote. They also have increased responsibilities: They must work, pay taxes, and provide for their families.
Q: Just because you drink doesn't mean you're drunk, right?
A: "No. Many factors affect whether you're drunk, including your gender, weight, how fast you're drinking, and whether you've had water and a meal with your drinks regardless of whether it's beer, wine or liquor."
Q: So why isn't alcohol illegal?
A: "It's a longstanding part of our culture, and most adults who drink are able to enjoy it responsibly and as part of a healthy lifestyle."
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