It’s that time of year when kids are probably itching for holiday vacation, counting down the days to extended time off from school until the New Year. It’s also the time when parents are thinking about the activities that will keep their children occupied while they are at work, entertaining holiday guests or attending celebratory parties of their own.
It is important to keep in mind that this time of year’s holiday festivities proves to be especially popular for pre-teens and teenagers to experiment socially with drinking, as alcohol tends to be more accessible and present in their homes and neighborhoods. Some kids find it more ‘acceptable’ to share a beer with a friend or ‘just try’ the liquor left out from New Years’ Eve. The reason? Simply because it is available and more importantly, because they think you are too busy or aren’t watching.
Now is the best time for parents to stress to children that drinking should be done responsibly and only when they are 21 years or older. It is also a good time to remind them that just because it is a special occasion does not mean that you deviate from the normal rules of day to day living. Here are some tips for parents on how best keep kids productive, safe and practicing good habits this holiday season:
It is important to keep in mind that this time of year’s holiday festivities proves to be especially popular for pre-teens and teenagers to experiment socially with drinking, as alcohol tends to be more accessible and present in their homes and neighborhoods. Some kids find it more ‘acceptable’ to share a beer with a friend or ‘just try’ the liquor left out from New Years’ Eve. The reason? Simply because it is available and more importantly, because they think you are too busy or aren’t watching.
Now is the best time for parents to stress to children that drinking should be done responsibly and only when they are 21 years or older. It is also a good time to remind them that just because it is a special occasion does not mean that you deviate from the normal rules of day to day living. Here are some tips for parents on how best keep kids productive, safe and practicing good habits this holiday season:
- DO know where your kids are at all times when you are not with them. Check to ensure that parents will be home when visiting friends and don’t feel embarrassed to ask other families if alcohol is accessible if they will not be present (or even if they are).
- DON’T assume that just because an older sibling is supervising that mischief won’t take place. Sometimes older children can be more of an influence than parents or friends.
- DO plan day trips for your kids to do things you normally might not have time for. If you aren’t able to take them yourself, hire a babysitter (lots of college students are on break and are hard up for money!) to take them places and keep them supervised.
- DON’T fall prey to manipulation from your children. Kids know that they might be more likely to get you to agree to something you might normally object to when you are stressed, rushed or under the influence.
- DO keep your adult beverages locked in your home and hide the key or take it with you when you leave the house.
- DON’T let them ‘just try it.’ Condoning underage drinking of any kind, even just to let a child taste your drink or have a small one of their own is a sure way to induce a bad and dangerous habit. Remember, children exposed to alcohol under the legal age of twenty-one is more likely to also develop addictive behaviors such as drug abuse or alcoholism.
- DO check in with your kids. Children are less likely to misbehave or break rules when they know you care about where they are and what they are doing when you are not with them.
- DON’T underestimate the power of peer-pressure. Even if you think that your child would never do something, it doesn’t mean that under the right circumstances they may give in to temptation.
- DO set a good example. If you are planning in indulging this season with parties of your own or attending others, try not to make alcohol the focus or purpose of the occasion. Keep your attitude and behavior under control in front of the children when drinking is involved. Better yet, hire a babysitter and enjoy a night out without them!
Lastly, remember that this season is about giving, being together and celebrating life without altering your mood or disposition. The best example you can provide to show your children how to behave is to model what you want from them through your actions.