Please not: MDR does not condone teenage drinking. However, I feel it is an important topic to teach kids to stay safe in an uncertain world around them. ~~~Pam
Teenage drinking and driving is a major problem among young people today. Teens that choose to drink and drive often find themselves in courtrooms, emergency rooms, or cemeteries. Alcohol related deaths are completely preventable, and there are some tips to help parents avoid tragedy.
Set Clear Rules and Follow Through
Do not be afraid to be strict in this case. Set very clear rules for your teenager and follow through on the consequences. Make sure that they understand the gravity of the situation. Stress with them the effects of making this reckless decision. They need to think about the possibility of ending up dead, severely injured, or needing to hire a DUI lawyer when they are sober and thinking clearly to help them make good choices when the time comes. Even if they do make it home safely and do not get caught by law enforcement officials, make it clear they can still lose driving privileges with you.
Set a Good Example
Never ever let your teen see you, as a responsible adult, drink and drive. Set a good example for your teen. Even though 99% of parents say they would never host a party with underage drinking, 28% of teens claim to have been at a supervised party where alcohol was served. Avoid movies marketed at teens that glorify underage drinking and risky behavior. If you take a situation seriously, your teen is more likely to as well.
Be Hands On
Your teen will not likely appreciate it, but be the parent that sets a reasonable curfew and waits up at the door to check on your teenager. If they know that mom or dad will be waiting up to give them a hug and check them for signs of alcohol or drug use, they are more likely to choose wisely. Teens coming home during all hours of the night to parents asleep begin to count on less accountability. The risk of getting caught is often a good deterrent.
Have a Plan in Place
Most teens will, at some point, find themselves in a tough position. If they rode to a party with a friend and that friend is impaired when time to drive home, many teens ride along to risk hurting their friend’s feelings or being embarrassed. Try to find a balance so that your teen knows your expectations, but also knows that they can always call you. If teens are afraid of getting in trouble or being embarrassed in front of their friends, they may just take the risk and not call. Set up a code word they can text you if they are afraid to call. Role play different situations to help them be prepared in the heat of the moment.
Parenting a teen is tough work. It requires unconditional love and thick skin. You cannot repeat too often that you will love them no matter what, they can call you anytime, and never ever drink and drive!
