Play Reporter
Use these questions to interview your child and then let your child
interview you.Let your child’s questions and answers lead you into a longer
conversation. Remember to change the questions as needed based on your
child’s age. For example, you might ask a teenager about his or her future
goals, but you might ask a younger child, “What do you want to be when you
grow up? Why?” Be sure to practice active listening by showing interest in
what your child says; this will validate your child’s feelings. If your
child says something you don’t agree with, respond positively and try to
find a constructive answer. Make sure your child knows your beliefs.
Sample Interview Questions
1. What three words would you use to describe yourself? To describe me?
2. Who are some of your role models? What do you admire about these
people?
3. What scares or concerns you? What makes you happy?
4. What are your future goals?
5. How would drinking alcohol get in the way of your future goals?
6. What would you do if you were offered alcohol at a party?
7. What would you do if the person responsible for driving you has been
drinking alcohol?
8. What would you really like to ask me but are too afraid to talk
about?
Think/Say/Feel
Parents
Use the enclosed pages to imagine that you are having a dialog with your
child. This exercise will prepare you to speak openly with your child and
will help you to anticipate his or her reaction to your ideas. Be as
realistic as possible.
- Write down what you would think, say, and feel while having a
conversation about underage drinking with your child.
- Now write down what you imagine your child is going to think, say and
feel.
- Share your answers with your child.
Think/Say/Feel
Children
Talking with your parents about underage drinking can be challenging. This
exercise will prepare you to speak openly to your mom or dad about underage
drinking and will help you to anticipate what your parent’s reaction might
be. Be as realistic as possible.
- Write down what you would think, say, and feel while having a
conversation about underage drinking with your parent.
- Now write down what you imagine your mom or dad is going to think, say
and feel.
- Share your answers with your parent.
Family Rules
Many families give mixed messages to their children about underage
drinking. This exercise will help you share your beliefs and family values
about alcohol use and allow you to create a set of rules. Are there
differences between your spoken and unspoken rules about underage drinking?
Are
there differences between your perception of these rules and your
child’s
perception? How can you eliminate any inconsistencies? Write out your
answers to these questions independently and then discuss them
together.
What the Parent Thinks:
Spoken Rule:
Unspoken Rule:
What the Child Thinks:
Spoken Rule:
Unspoken Rule:
Now Write a Clear Set of Family Rules About Alcohol
Consumption.
What the law is:
What our family rule is:
What behavior we expect:
Conclusion
Let your children know how important they are to you. Be honest with them
about the facts and consequences of underage drinking. Your ongoing
involvement, care, and concern will help your children to stay safe.
Support your children’s future — keep them alcohol free.
www.stopalcoholabuse.gov
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Human Services Administration
(SAMHSA)
Family.samhsa.gov
A public education Web site, developed to support the efforts of parents
and other caring adults to promote mental health and prevent the use of
alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs among 7- to 18-year-olds.
SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug
Information
www.ncadi.samhsa.gov
NCADI is the Nation’s one-stop resource for information about substance
abuse prevention and addiction treatment.The Anti-Drug
TheAntiDrug.com
www.theantidrug.com
serves as a drug prevention information center, and a supportive community
for parents to interact and learn from each other.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse
and Alcoholism
www.niaaa.nih.gov
NIAAA provides leadership in the national effort to reduce alcohol-related
problems by conducting and supporting research; coordinating and
collaborating
with other research institutes and Federal Programs; and translating and
disseminating research findings to health care providers, researchers,
policymakers, and the public on alcohol-related issues
Sites for Kids
www.freevibe.com
www.nacoa.org
www.al-anon.alateen.org
www.thecoolspot.gov
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Reprinted with the permission of the National Mental Health Information Center.
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