Image
St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. With all of the festivities around green everything, including beer, this is a holiday that can send mixed signals to our kids. With nearly 70% of our Arizona high school seniors reporting alcohol use (2012 ACJC Survey Results), St. Patrick’s Day is a great opportunity for parents to discuss alcohol with their kids.
How can we use this as a teaching moment with our kids?
-
Talk to them about the dangers of alcohol. This is a conversation that is appropriate for kids ages 5–25 (the judgment portion of the brain is still developing into the mid-twenties).
-
Remind your kids that celebrating a holiday or positive milestone doesn’t automatically mean turning to alcohol, even though some holidays suggest otherwise.
-
What happens if your kids are at an event where alcohol is served? Discuss appropriate behavior and put them down on paper.
-
Alcohol by itself is dangerous to our kids. When combined with other substances, such as prescription drugs, the outcome can be potentially fatal.
- Are your kids prepared to handle a situation involving a driver who has been drinking? Determine a plan in advance.
Plus, if your family still wants to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, involve the entire family in planning a fun activity or making a special dinner together!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
