Preventing teen drinking problems ...

A good relationship with parents may prevent teen drinking problems, according to research published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs (May 2009).

Teenagers who have a strong relationship with their parents may start drinking at a later age - which may, in turn, lessen their risk of developing alcohol problems, the study suggests.

A high-quality relationship is one where teenagers feel they can discuss their problems with their parents and that their parents respect their feelings.

Such parent-child relationships can "trigger a spiral of healthy development during adolescence" that may lead to a lower risk of alcohol problems.

Parents need to be aware of how important they are when it comes to their children's risk of alcohol abuse. Being attentive to their children's needs in general, the report notes, may be one way to protect them from developing drinking problems.

• Are you a parent of a teenager?
  

• How good is your relationship with your child?

• How well do you communicate with him/her? - Remember that 'listening' is just as important as 'talking'.
  

• Have you talked to them about 'sensible drinking'?
  

• Do you set a good example, by drinking responsibly and in moderation?
  
  

Underage drinking poses real risks to teenagers. Not only does alcohol consumption have physical risks, but drinking puts children at risk for a host of other problems. Children who drink are often unaware of the harm that they are doing to themselves, so it is up to parents to do all that they can to keep their kids safe.

• For more info on the research click here: http://tiny.cc/3LZoX
• For info on underage drinking click here: http://tiny.cc/wEI02
• For tips on what to do, click here: http://tiny.cc/nC5al
• For tips on parenting teenagers click here: http://tiny.cc/SAobQ

If you'd like more support and you live in, or near to, Tyne and Wear, please don't hesistate to contact me. I am a the parent of a teenager, and I have experience of supporting other parents of teenagers. Counselling can be a valuable source of emotional support, and can help you to look at things differently, explore your feelings, and it provides you with a safe environment in which to explore your concerns. Email me: mail@abcounselling.com

Few things are more satisfying than seeing your children have teenagers of their own.

Doug Larson

Adolescents are not monsters. They are just people trying to learn how to make it among the adults in the world, who are probably not so sure themselves.

Virginia Satir