I am pleased today to offer a guest post by Bill Akintoye of Shabana Motors in Houston, Texas. Bill talks regularly to teens and families about cars and responsibilities, and with a great passion and concern that is evident in his post below. Thanks Bill!
Talking to your teens about drinking and driving can be a difficult job; however, it is also an essential one. Statistics show that teens who talk with their parents about drinking are much less likely to abuse alcohol or drugs. However, before you begin any discussions with your kids, look over the following helpful tips.
Set Reasonable Goals
It is important for you to realize that talking to your children about drinking and driving should not be a one-time discussion—it should be an ongoing conversation. You must also realize that in some cases, no matter how hard you try to steer your kids away from alcohol, they will drink anyway.
With that said, the first thing you will want to do before talking with your teens is to set some reasonable goals. In short, what do you want to accomplish by speaking with your kids? Of course, the first goal you will want to set is to teach your children how to say no to alcohol. Other goals you may wish to implement are as follows:
· Help them realize they can have fun without alcohol
· Teach them the consequences of riding in a car that is driven by someone who is drunk
· Teach them to avoid places where alcohol is served
· Help them get treatment if necessary
· Limit access to alcohol in your home
Things to Keep in Mind
There are several things that you need to keep in mind when preparing to talk with your teens. These points are essential because they will help you have a more meaningful discussion and build a solid and trusting relationship between you and your kids:
· Choose a time when you and your teens are relaxed and not stressed-out
· Do not worry about discussing everything at once
· Be supportive of your teens no matter what
· Listen to your teens’ concerns and fears
· Encourage your teens to talk by asking open-ended questions
· Control your emotions and do not respond with anger
· Do not lecture or belittle your children
Topics for Your Conversations
So, you think you’re ready to talk with your teens, but where exactly do you begin? There are many things that young people need to learn when it comes to alcohol and drinking and driving. You do not have to cram all of these topics into one conversation; just pick one or two and save the rest for a later date.
· Your teens’ views on alcohol and drinking and driving
· Alcohol abuse facts
· Driving under the influence (DUI) facts and statistics
· Good reasons to stay away from alcohol and drugs
· False feelings of happiness and satisfaction while drunk
· Detrimental effects of alcohol on the mind and body
· How to handle peer pressure
