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Monitoring
Unfortunately, initial signs of
teen alcohol use are typically not obvious.
Unless a teen is having serious problems with
alcohol, it may be hard to know without regular
monitoring. However, parents and caregivers who
carefully monitor their teens can greatly reduce
the risks of alcohol use and abuse. The most
important fact to know is that kids who learn
from their parents about the dangers and
consequences of underage drinking are less
likely to use and abuse alcohol.
Kids are always at risk, and there are countless
opportunities for them to test the limits.
Effective monitoring needs to be an ongoing
process throughout your child’s teenage years.
It takes place continuously whenever they’re
away from you: after school, weekends, evening
social events, etc. It is especially important
to know where your teen is, who he is with, if
alcohol will be present, and if there will be
adult supervision.
Kids often get into trouble after school between
the hours of 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm or during
evening and weekend social activities. If you
can’t be with your child at this time, encourage
your teen to do something positive with adult
supervision, such as sports, jobs, clubs, or
after school programs.
Before your teenager leaves, make
sure that curfews and rules are understood and
ask:
During time away,
After your teenager
returns:
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Check for coherence when kids return from
social activities.
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Talk about what happened while they were
away.
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Ask if alcohol was present.
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Ask if any problems or peer pressure were
encountered.
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Ask how they handled problems or peer
pressure.
Ongoing -- Talk frequently with
your kids about alcohol. They are always at
risk and consistency matters:
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Know who your
kid's friends are.
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Know the places
they hang out.
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Show up early to
observe your teen's behavior.
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Work with other
parents-get lists of emails and phone
numbers.
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Occasionally
check to see that your kids are where they
say they are.
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Teach your kids
how to refuse alcohol without embarrassment.
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Be a good role
model for your teens; what you say and do
matters.
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Praise and
reward good behavior.
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