What your teen sees, and why it matters
Your actions, words, and attitudes around alcohol help shape how your child thinks about drinking. That includes:
- How you talk about alcohol
- When, where, and why you drink
- Whether you treat alcohol as a reward, stress reliever, or party essential
- The boundaries and expectations you set for your teen
The power of your influence
Research shows that parents and caregivers are one of the most influential factors in a teen’s decision to delay or avoid alcohol use. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, teens who believe their parents would be upset if they drank are 80% less likely to drink compared to those who don’t believe their parents disapprove.
Avoiding mixed messages
Even casual or social drinking can send confusing signals. Teens may interpret it as:
- A normal or necessary part of adult life
- Something people use to relax or handle stress
- A sign that their parents are okay with underage drinking in certain situations
Ways to model healthy behavior
By modeling healthy coping strategies and clear boundaries, you help show your teen what safe, responsible behavior looks like. Here are a few ways to be intentional in your approach:
- Be mindful of how you talk about alcohol around your child
- Set clear expectations and explain the reasons behind them.
- Show what healthy boundaries, self-care, and communication look like
- Be especially intentional during holidays (even trick-or-treating with kids), game days, or social events. These are great chances to show your child that fun, connection, and celebration don’t have to revolve around alcohol.
- Keep alcohol stored out of sight, securely locked, and monitored. This simple step helps reduce temptation and access, especially when friends are over or curiosity is high
- You don’t have to be perfect, but being intentional about your actions and messages makes a real difference. Small steps, like securing your liquor cabinet or modeling healthy stress relief, go a long way in keeping your teen safe.
Learn more about alcohol and underage drinking, gain facts and tips: All about alcohol.
