If your teen is a senior in high school, it’s likely that you’re preparing for some big milestones: prom and graduation. Teens face an increased pressure to take part in underage drinking around this time of year, and it’s important for parents to have conversations with their teens about ways to say no.
A great way to start the conversation and create an action plan with your teens involves asking open-ended questions. Here are some powerful reasons to integrate them into your prom and graduation planning:
1.
Find out what your teen is thinking.
Open-ended questions give you an idea of what your teens are thinking and feeling. Put yourself in their shoes, and try to remember how you felt at that age. Use their feedback and work together on a plan to hold them accountable.
2. Help them make a plan to say no. Answering open-ended questions helps your teens verbalize a plan of action for what to do and say if they’re approached with alcohol. Establishing a plan beforehand makes your teens better prepared to say no to underage drinking on prom or graduation night.
3. Build trust. Gaining an understanding of their thought process and action plan enables you to build trust. You’ll feel more at ease knowing that your teens are prepared.
4. Build confidence. Gaining your support strengthens your teens’ mind-set and confidence. This further prepares them to say no to peer pressure.
5. Enjoy the celebration. Talking about a plan together beforehand alleviates concern and allows you to focus on the joy of these exciting moments.
For more tips on parenting teens, visit the coaching section of our website.
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