MADD Texas #PowerTalk21
There are certain topics I am pretty passionate about and I may come across as opinionated when discussing them. This would be one of those topics.
Drinking and driving and alcoholism is a conversation that, if I do not watch myself, I can get on a soap box about. I grew up in a home with a father who struggled significantly with substance abuse and one of his demons was alcohol.
I have been the child in the backseat of a car that is driving in a ditch because the person operating the vehicle has no idea where the road is. More than once.
Growing up there were multiple occurrences where “Dad rolled another car” after being out late at night.
There were many times that there was no money for essentials and necessities because alcohol took control.
I am who I am because of my upbringing. I am that defiant girl who swore she would never ever be a victim. While I completely forgive my father for his shortcomings, and frankly his ignorance, I am who I am because of the way I was raised.
I could have experimented with alcohol, and Lord knows it was readily available, but I did not need to test the waters to see the end results. I may have a drink socially, as an adult, but a liquor cabinet is not something you will find in my house. Drinking and driving is not acceptable. I am raising children who trust that I will make the right decisions for them and lead the way, setting the example.
It is vital that our children (especially teens) understand that underage drinking is never ok. Have you had the talk with your kids?
April 21 is PowerTalk 21 Day. This is the national day for parents to talk with their teens about alcohol. Research shows parents are the biggest influence on teens’ decisions about alcohol. Whether or not you think they are listening to you, they are.
As a parents it is our job to make sure our kids are well informed of all the dangers in the world. Taking the time to talk about alcohol and the dangers associated with it is a great step in the right direction. MADD suggests you set a family rule of no alcohol drinking before the age of 21 and agree on consequences for breaking that rule.
One tip to use when trying to talk to your kids is to talk to them like an adult. Try not to force your advice on them but discuss the topic with them and let them know you respect their opinions on the topic. Ask them a question like \”do you know anyone who drinks?\” and see where the conversation goes from there.
Teens tend to see only what is happening right now instead of looking out into the future and seeing what the consequences of their actions may bring. Explain to them what could happen later in the evening if they drink, for example if they get in a car and drive or even get into a car with someone else who has been drinking.
So don’t be afraid to talk to your kids about alcohol. Regardless of how they see themselves, they are still kids and need their parents. And they are listening!
April 21 is PowerTalk 21 Day – the national day for parents to talk with their teens about alcohol. Research shows parents are the biggest influence on teens’ decisions about alcohol. For more information, visit madd.org/powerofparents
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of MADD Texas. The opinions and text are all mine.