Parents...  talking to your kids about alcohol

How to talk to kids age 8–10: Awareness

At this age children’s perceptions of alcohol are usually negative.

Questions your child might ask

Children may start to take notice when people around them are drinking, for example at the dinner table or a family occasion like a wedding. They may ask simple questions such as,”What is that?” or “Why do you drink?”

How to answer them

Explain to your child that alcohol is only for adults and that there is a sociable side to alcohol, but if you drink too much there can be bad consequences for your health and safety.

How to talk to kids age 9–12: Curiosity

At this age children will become more curious about alcohol.

Questions your child might ask

• - What does it taste like?
• - What does alcohol do to you?
• - What does being drunk feel like?
• If you’re drunk, do you stay drunk forever?
  

How to answer them

This is a good time to talk to kids about the impact of alcohol on the body. You could also explain how it feels to be drunk, for example, you might do silly things or feel sick. You might want to talk about the difference between drinking in moderation and abusing alcohol. Make sure your child understands that different types of alcohol have different strengths.

How to talk to kids and teens age 11–14: Experimentation

By ages 11 to 14 children may be experimenting with alcohol. They could be offered drinks by a friend or might seek to try it themselves. You might be thinking about giving them a small amount.

Questions your child might ask

• - Can I have some of your drink?
• - Why are you allowed to drink but I’m not? 

How to answer

Now’s a good time to talk about peer pressure and help your child think of ways to deal with any pressure they might be under to drink. You might want to discuss rules about drinking and agree consequences should they break these – making it clear the rules are there to keep them safe.

How to talk to teens age 13–17: Experienced

By this age your child may have had a number of alcoholic drinks and tested their limits – so might consider themselves experienced drinkers.

Questions your child might ask

• - Can I take some drink to the party?
• - Can you buy me some drinks?
• - But all my friends are drinking, why can’t I?
  
  

How to answer

Explain to your kids that alcohol is only for adults and that there is a sociable side to alcohol, but if you drink too much there can be bad consequences for your health and safety.

If you know your child is drinking, make sure they’re aware of the risks and give them tips to help them stay safe. If they’re going out, find out who they are with and what they are planning to do. Agree with your children that if they ever get into a situation involving alcohol where they feel uncomfortable, they can call and get picked up, no questions asked.

It’s important to be aware of how accessible alcohol is in your house and not to provide your child with alcohol. But if you do decide to, make sure you give them non-alcoholic drinks too and encourage them to alternate.