Alcohol is a part of many holiday traditions as folks enjoy a festive cocktail or toast in the New Year with friends and family. It is fine for adults who are drinking responsibly, but it is important to remember that children are careful observers of adult behavior. With this in mind, the holidays are a good time to talk with your children about drinking alcohol.
You want your children to be well-informed and that means knowing the risk of drinking alcohol long before they are tempted or faced with peer pressure. Tell them the facts and the dangerous effects of alcohol on their developing brain.
Explain that the teen brain is still growing and changing until about age 24. Alcohol can cause permanent damage during this critical period of development. Repeated exposure to alcohol during adolescence can have long term negative effects on the brain, especially for mood and judgment. It could critically affect teens' ability to perform normal tasks, such as driving, doing math, and competing in sports.
Always remember that, as a parent, YOU play a major role in shaping your kids' attitude towards alcohol. Be firm that you don't want your child drinking AT ALL!
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