What Can You Do?
What Can You Do?
When talking with your child try to agree rules and boundaries
Do:
- Set realistic rules and boundaries and stick to them. Agree rules together with your child.
- Rules are more likely to be kept if they are negotiated, understood and agreed.
- Discuss why you need the rules. This can help your child see that you care about their well-being.
- 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.
- Reward your child when they keep to the set boundaries.
Don’t:
- Impose rules that you haven’t discussed with your child.
If your child comes home drunk:
Do:
- Stay calm.
- Wait until the next day to discuss things.
- Choose a good time to talk.
- If you’re worried, always seek medical advice.
Don’t:
- Talk things through when your child is under the influence of alcohol
- Get drawn into arguments.
Supervising your child:
Do:
- Know who your child is with and what they’re doing.
- Show an interest in what your child’s interests are, who their friends are, and where they like to hang out.
- Get to know your child’s friends – if your child’s friends drink alcohol, your child is more likely to drink too.
- Talk to the parents of your child’s friends and agree boundaries together.
- 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.
- If you keep alcohol in the home be aware of how accessible it is.
Don’t:
- Assume other parents have the same ideas as you regarding children and alcohol – find out their views.