Proms have been inching up toward April for some time now. This year April 26th seems to be a popular date for this Junior-Senior event. It's not too early to start dropping hints about the harzards of drinking and driving during this time of year, or anytime for that matter.
With tougher penalties for drinking and driving and better education about alcohol abuse, instances of teen drunkeness appear to be waning. Sometimes it is hard to really tell, though, if a teen has developed a drinking or drug habit, especially if drinking (etc.) is taken for granted in your house. Teens are so good at hiding the signs and parents are so good at ignoring them.
How do you know if your teen has formed a dangerous habit? Parenting expert Alison Birnbaum suggests these warning signs:
1. Your child's relationships have suffered because he/she is no longer seen as being able to keep his/her word.
2. Your child's school work has suffered.
3. Your child has been treated or limited by a community institution: the school, the police, or the hospital.
4. Your child's habit continues even though it makes her/his life worse.
These signs are warnings that your child is in trouble and can't be ignored. Ideally, you have been talking about drinking and driving or other dangerous behaviors with your child more than just at Prom time. But, if you find the above warning signs manifesting themselves often, remain calm, investigate, and take the proper action. More often than not addiction is not the cause of the above symptoms, especially if they are isolated incidences. If they are prolonged, however, you need to take action.
Some great suggestions are found at the Parents: The Antidrug campaign. Google that or go to theantidrug.com. There are quizzes, articles, RSS feeds, and suggestions for help.
A safe and happy Prom night to all. Oh, and do wait up - it's one of the best ways to tell what's really going on.
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