Parental Example

• The teenage years are a period where influences outside the home, such as the behavior of friends and an awareness of social status, have greater weight on a teen's decisions and attitudes. However, there is also evidence that the behavior of parents, even when it is not directly intended to set an example, has a strong influence on teenagers. Parents who use alcohol heavily or are frequently intoxicated tend not to instill a responsible drinking mentality in their children.
  
  One explanation for this effect is that parents who are themselves affected by problem drinking are less likely to devote time to monitoring their children's behavior or engaging with them in general. A reduction in drinking correlates with a strengthening of parenting skills, which will in turn prevent teenagers from making dangerous decisions with regard to alcohol.
  
  

Positive Relationships

• Maintaining a healthy and open relationship with a teenager can be a daunting task for parents. This transitional phase between youth and adulthood often is marked by family tensions and strained relationships, but even the mere effort to stay connected can make a difference. Teens who have positive relationships with their parents and who feel comfortable sharing information or seeking advice are less likely to have alcohol problems. Conversely, a stressful family life can encourage irresponsible, escapist drinking behaviors in teens and even lead to alcoholism.
  
  

Serious Conversations

• A serious and well-planned conversation between parents and teens is another factor that may influence teenage drinking habits. Parents may dismiss these efforts as futile or may avoid them in hopes of preventing an embarrassing or uncomfortable situation. However, parents continue to be a major source of information to teens about the dangers of drinking, particularly during early adolescence. Taking responsibility for informing your child about alcohol and its risks can do no harm, and may help them as they form their stance on the issue.
  
  

The Dangers of Excessive Discipline

• While parents may feel a strong desire to prevent alcohol use in their teens at all costs, some excessive measures may be counterproductive. Repeatedly lecturing and threatening may prevent teens from realizing that their parents have their best interests in mind. Insulting a teenager's intelligence or maturity is likely to be ineffective. Parents should instead explain why they are concerned and should establish rules with clear consequences.