The holiday season is a time when parents show love and appreciation for their teens in special ways. One of the best and often most challenging ways to show teens how much you care is to hold them accountable – especially when it comes to underage drinking.
Here are some ways to keep your teens accountable this holiday season:
1. Tell them the truth.
Loving your kids means being honest, even when it’s something they don’t want to hear. Communicate with your teens about the risks of underage drinking to ensure they understand their responsibility to say no.
2. Keep your message clear.
Be a positive role model and share clear messages in different ways to ensure accountability. Avoid over-communicating as it can sound like nagging, causing teens to tune out important information.
3. Trust them.
Teens can only show accountability when parents give them the space to prove themselves. Give them privileges based on their level of responsibility and know that their experiences will strengthen their independence and your relationship.
4. Follow through and follow up.
Special occasions and holiday celebrations don’t come with a special set of rules – ensure that your teens are aware of your boundaries and follow up to hold them accountable to your expectations.
5. Make sure they’re safe.
To be held accountable, teens must first understand your expectations about underage drinking. Talk with them to establish plans for combatting peer pressure with confidence.
For more tips on how to connect and communicate with your teens this holiday season, please visit the Coaching portion of our website.
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