Now that your high schooler is back to the grindstone after Spring Break, odds are, they’re looking forward to prom!  

As a parent, of course you worry every day about the health and wellbeing of your child. When they become teenagers, that concern is only intensified by what you know about peer pressure and the realities of high school. At CADS, we want to help you talk with your teen about dangerous behavior.  

Trust us. They know more than you think they do and they need you to talk with them. Now is the perfect time.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 7.3 million American teenagers have consumed alcohol. April is Alcohol Awareness Month and with prom season right around the corner, make sure your high schooler knows the risks and consequences of binge drinking.

Here are some tips to get you through that conversation.

• Try not to lecture. Your child will associate your tone with other conversations you’ve had in the past.
• Timing matters. Right before they leave for school, go to bed, or in the middle of an argument are not good times to talk about a serious topic.
• Find a segue. Springing the conversation on a teenager may not be the best tactic. Try to link it to a TV show or a movie they’ve seen, friends, family, or even a celebrity, that way it seems like a natural fit.
• Be open and honest. It’s important that this conversation two-way and open-ended. If your child asks you about your drinking history, tell them the truth, and explain your decision.
• Be supportive. Remember, being a teenager wasn’t always the easiest. Encourage and praise your child for the positive choices they make and the positive activities in which they take part.

Most importantly, talk to your child early and often. The more involved you are in your child’s life, the less likely he or she is to engage in dangerous behavior.

If you need help talking with your teen, give us a call at 563-326-1150. We’re happy to give you guidance.