.........HOW TO TALK TO OUR KIDS REGARDING ALCOHOL........

........How to talk to our kids regarding alcohol......


      Let's not just say, don't drink..better tell them the virtue of self-control......
 We have children, nieces, nephews, student, neighbor, and friends who are teenagers.  This is the tine if year of countless merry making parties, get together, dinners.  Alcohol won't be too for behind in these events.
      And since young people are keen to join in on the fun, plus the pressure of their friends and the call of the happy occasion, they may end up stetting aside the rules we've set for them regarding alcohol abuse.
      Alcohol  is and should be considered a controlled substance, not only the possession of but the consumption of it as well.  This is not a problem with responsible social drinkers.  The problem starts when a teenager, or anyone not fully aware of the consequences, takes for granted the effect it has on the brain and body.  Thus, alcohol disrupts normal brain development and processes, the degree of which could be temporary or permanent.  This is the time to remind ourselves to start being more conscientious with our children behavior and self growth.  It's valuable to know that not only are they experiencing physical changes,, their brains are going through the same phase as well.
      When our teenagers consumes alcohol, it can adversely affect his on or her thinking, given the brain process that is going on without proper guidance, whether ours or by others around them outside the home, they will eventually feel confused about what is right and wrong and doubt their own competence as young adults.  Thus, their capacity to make the right decisions might also become haphazard orbit-and-miss.
      This is why we have to build a strong foundation of trust, level of honesty and communication with our teens.  We as parents can only do so much.  We ca not totally control whatever awaits our children when they step outside the secure confines of our homes.
      Key to prevention......
Being more conscientious is key  to prevention and protecting those we love the most.   This goes beyond knowing the danger of over drinking.  Children, especially teenagers, dislike it when  parents nag, that is why reaching our kids should be a lifelong process, make them know that, as they experience the world outside, even if you are not beside them, you will not be far behind.
       Let's not just say, "Don't drink". Rather, we properly communicate to them the value of being in control of one's self when in the presence of a challenges or temptation.  We not only inform them about the dangers. we also give them about the dangers, we also give them the benefits of making the right choice, which do they prefer them, to appear in control of the situation or out of it?
       Advice them to never get into a car with a drink driver.  The life you save may not only be your child's, but your own as well....