When talking with your child try to agree rules and boundaries

Do:

1. Set realistic rules and boundaries and stick to them. Agree rules together with your child.
2. Rules are more likely to be kept if they are negotiated, understood and agreed.
3. Discuss why you need the rules. This can help your child see that you care about their well-being.
4. Reach an agreement together on the consequences of breaking rules. Make sure it’s something fair and appropriate and something you are prepared to follow through on.
5. Reward your child when they keep to the set boundaries.

Don’t:

1. Impose rules that you haven’t discussed with your child.

If your child comes home drunk:

Do:

1. Stay calm.
2. Wait until the next day to discuss things.
3. Choose a good time to talk.
4. If you’re worried, always seek medical advice.

Don’t:

1. Talk things through when your child is under the influence of alcohol
2. Get drawn into arguments.

Supervising your child:

Do:

1. Know who your child is with and what they’re doing.
2. Show an interest in what your child’s interests are, who their friends are, and where they like to hang out.
3. Get to know your child’s friends – if your child’s friends drink alcohol, your child is more likely to drink too.
4. Talk to the parents of your child’s friends and agree boundaries together.
5. When asking about your child’s activities, friends and whereabouts, make sure your child knows it’s because you care about them, not because you distrust them.
6. If you keep alcohol in the home be aware of how accessible it is.

Don’t:

1. Assume other parents have the same ideas as you regarding children and alcohol – find out their views.