Important Holiday Conversation

PARENTS: Do Your Homework as Teens Head Into The Holidays

Teen parties too often can become a family's biggest nightmare! 

Uninvited youth crash the party or guests attempt to bring alcohol or other drugs into your home.  Your visible presence is needed to deal with those situations.  Parents must be nearby to intervene.  Mom or Dad has an important role in protecting young people and their guests.  Not only do you have the maturity and experience to deal with problem individuals, but you can also be the "bad" guys enforcing the rules and relieving the pressure from your son or daughter.

Please follow these tips for parties and keep your teen safe and healthy!

Remember:  In Hawaii,

·        No adult shall provide or purchase liquor for consumption or use by a person under twenty-one years of age

·        Curfew is 10 p.m. for minors under 15, 12:30 a.m. for minors under 18 unless accompanied by minor’s parent, legal guardian or authorized person 18 or older
    

When Your Teen Throws a Party

Set the ground rules ahead of time.  Let your teen know what you expect of him or her as host.  Rules should include:           

  • Adult supervision                                            
  • Alcohol and other drug-free
  • Tobacco-free
  • Come to the party, stay at the party
  • Invitation only
  • Small groups
  • Lights left on
  • Certain rooms are off limits
  • Have plenty of soft drinks and snacks
  • Encourage group activities and games

Set a time limit.  Be visible and available, but keep a low profile.   Determine how you will deal with guests who bring tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs. Invite another couple to assist in supervision, and as company to you.

Join with other parents in your community to provide a safe and fun party environment this holiday season.

When Your Teen goes to a Party

Set ground rules ahead of time.  Rules might include:

  • The name, address, and phone number of the party giver.
  • Your teen is to call you is there is a change in location
  • Set time that teen will arrive home
  • Set up transportation to and from the party with the understanding that they can call for a ride if needed – no questions asked.  Discuss situations when this might be necessary.

Contact the parents of the party-giver.  Verify that the parent will be present, and that alcohol and other drugs will not be permitted.

Discuss how to handle problem situations.  Share with your teen your views on underage alcohol use and drug use.  Role play a comfortable way to refuse alcohol and other drugs.

Be awake or have your teen awaken you upon arriving home.

 

How Parental Attitudes Affect Drinking

Students whose parents clearly expect their children to abstain are 400% more likely to abstain than other students.

Children whose parents show a lax attitude regarding alcohol and other drugs are likely to begin drinking at a younger age.

Some Helpful Websites

Parent sites:

·         www.theantidrug.com   for more parent tips.

·         www.healingourisland.com  see monthly calendar of events for drug & alcohol free activities.

Teen sites:

·         www.freevibe.com  information, fact sheets, games and posters

·         www.thecoolspot.org    being yourself, thinking for yourself, get facts about underage
                                                 drinking    

 

Think like a 6th to 12th grader: “If we haven’t discussed it, it must be OK.”

Now is a good time to start a dialog with your youth.