Keep Your Teens SAYF This Holiday Season

This time of year comes with lots of celebrations and parties. With this in mind the SAYF Coalition would like to leave you with some helpful reminders pertaining to teen parties and underage drinking. It is very important as parents that we keep an open line of communication with our children, let them know we care and are there for them. Remind your children of your family values and rules before they attend holiday parties without you.

Some Reminders for this Holiday Season:

It’s okay to call your child’s friends’ parents to ask if they will be home to chaperone a party, or if there will be alcohol served at the party.
Remind your teen that underage drinking is illegal and dangerous.
Let your teen know that many teens choose not to drink. As a matter of fact on a typical weekend, the vast majority of teens are not drinking alcohol.
Remind your teen of your rules and values pertaining to underage drinking; let them know there will be consequences for breaking these rules.
Let your teen know that they can call you anytime for a ride or assistance.
Remind your teens that alcohol is not the only substance that can impair someone’s driving ability.
Remind your teens that they should never get in a car with someone who is under the influence of alcohol or any other substance.
Tell your teen it is a myth that marijuana improves one’s ability to drive.
Give your teen this tip — If you are offered a drink at a party be firm and say “no thank you”. You don’t want to say something like maybe later because that implies you are open to the idea of underage drinking.
Saying no to alcohol would be easier if your friends share your values when it comes to underage drinking, so try to find friends who think like you.
Never ride in a car with a driver who has been drinking.
Tell your child if they are at a party and there is alcohol or if they are uncomfortable with what is happening they should leave the party, and if they need a ride home call you.
Remind your teen of the 911 Good Samaritan law. Click the link here to read the law.