To Keep Kids From Buying Alcohol

Peer pressure is out there, and unfortunately, it's stronger than ever. Today's kids get pushed to try all sorts of things, and buying alcohol has long been one of the common ones. You can keep your kids from buying alcohol by taking preventative measures and following these steps to educate and protect them from the pressure they receive.

Instructions

Step1

Teach by example. Kids watch what their parents do their entire lives. Whether it shows or not, kids care what their parents do and what they think. If you treat alcohol casually and that doesn't affect you in any way, then your kids will believe that the same is true for them.

Step2

Make alcohol less available to kids. While this seems obvious, many households have alcohol on hand either in liquor cabinets or in the fridge. You may think that you monitor your alcohol inventory, but kids often consume these products and replace them before you even know they're gone.

Step3

Talk to your kids about alcohol, but don't do this in a large dramatic meeting that is uncomfortable for both of you. Your children live with you for a lifetime, so let them know little by little the dangers and effects of alcoholism, and the dangers of buying and drinking underage throughout their lives.

Step4

Ask your child's doctor or pediatrician to discuss alcohol use and abuse during physicals and check-ups. Tell the school counselor that you would like them to discuss the effects of underage drinking with your child as a preventative measure during regular meetings. If kids hear the message from different respected sources, they will take the message more seriously.

Step5

Know your child's friends. If you believe they may be a negative influence regarding alcohol or other bad choices, step in and speak up.

Step6

Treat your kids with respect on the issue of alcohol. It is an adult issue, so treat it like one. If it becomes a yelling match or if you talk down to your kids, friends will sway them more easily by giving the opposite message in a friendlier way. Your kids will appreciate the respect and know that you are concerned rather than brow beating.

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