Where was your teenager last night?

 

If your teenager was out last night, think for a moment about whether they drank alcohol and if they did, HOW MUCH?

 

Like most parents you probably couldn't say for certain.

 

Here are some facts that may surprise you!!!!

 

 - Over 1/3 of 12-17 year olds sometime’s “binge drink”.

 - Teens consumed alcohol at a higher risk level when at a friends house or at a party.

 

Drunken teens get involved in violence and cause harm to themselves and others.

 

Being drunk may lead to teens having sex, unprotected sex or not remembering what regrettable things they did the night before.

 

Thankfully there is something that you as a Waiuku parent and whanau can do.

 

TALK TO YOUR TEENAGER about alcohol is the first and most effective thing.

 

DON'T WAIT, DO IT NOW! The influence of their peers is enormous but your relationship as a parent is more powerful and lasting.

 

Communication with adolescents and older teens is hard as it is a period of extreme change and identity finding. Your authority may be challenged and you

may feel like a hypocrite remembering your own past or even present behaviour.

The drive to be with their mates and drink and take risks is strong but your teens NEED YOU to set out what is acceptable. BE CONFIDENT that your intervention HELPS!

 

Be well,

Sjimmy Fransen