I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Influence Central for Anheuser-Busch’s Family Talk About Drinking Program. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

 

I am proud to say that I am a parent of someone who is in the graduation class of 2015! My son Jedi has completed high school, and will soon be making his transition to college. Hubby and I could not be more excited!

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With his monumental accomplishment also came lots – and lots – of requests to attend the graduation parties of his fellow classmates. As my son Jedi made his choices on which ones to attend, I felt that it was a great opportunity to open up the lines of communication to with him about the importance of making safe, responsible choices and underage drinking.

 

My son has grown up in a household where neither parent drinks alcohol, and while in high school he served as a leader for the school’s group that gave talks about the risks associated with underage drinking to younger students. While he has done and seen plenty to know how dangerous underage drinking is, it does not take away from the fact that there may be pressures to drink in celebration from one of his party-goer friends.

Surprisingly, Jedi opted to skip prom and hang out with me instead. I saw it as the perfect chance to get the conversation going in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. I planned a special ‘mother and son’ date for just the two of us. During our dinner chat, I reiterated the facts and figures about drinking irresponsibly not just while underage, but at any age. As his parent and one of his primary influences,

 

I said: “So, who are you taking to prom son?” He said, “No one. I wasn’t planning on going.” I said, “Huh?! Why?” He responded: “well I’d rather you and me just hang out that night if that’s okay.” I was so touched that I started crying. ~introducing mother and son night out, 2015. 💗😃 #jediclassof2015

A photo posted by Makeba Giles (@melisasource) on Apr 18, 2015 at 5:58pm PDT

 

Luckily, he reassured me that he knows the information very well, and has no plans on falling victim to any pressure from his peers to persuade him to try drinking. Seeing how concerned I was, he reminded me that he has very clear and focused sights on his future, and does not want to do anything that may negatively impact the years to come. I must say that it was very relieving to hear his point of view.

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As a parent of underage children as well as a daughter who is of legal drinking age and a child newly-entering the teen years, I know the good that taking time to coach your children through the sticky situations that may occur during their teenage years can be. I strongly encourage parents everywhere to find days and times to have an open dialog about the risks of underage drinking. It is not only a great way to connect, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to share different ways to react and respond when in a situation or environment where he may encounter alcohol. Most of all, be supportive, and a leader by example. Remember that your children are watching you and your actions and responsibility with drinking.

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With graduations and celebration parties happening throughout this time of year, we as parents must do all that we can to equip our children with the knowledge and understanding of what underage drinking can do to them physically and mentally. We also must be sure that we cultivate their independence and responsibility while mutually building trust. By staying involved, being supportive, taking time out to engage in deep, meaningful conversations about alcohol and accountability, leaving the doors of communication about alcohol open, and being mindful of our own actions as parents, we can ensure that our students will make healthy choices no matter what situation they are in.

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~If you need strategies and tips for communicating with your children about alcohol, visit: www.familytalkaboutdrinking.com, which includes an extensive knowledge base of resources about talking to children of all ages about underage drinking. You can also connect with FTAD on Facebook and on Twitter using the hashtag: #ABFamilyTalk.

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***Also be sure to enter my Family Talk About Drinking Giveaway!***

underage drinking

I am hosting a giveaway in conjunction with the Anheuser-Busch FTAD program! 

 Exciting, right!! Here’s the details of the giveaway, and remember: all are welcome to enter! 

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I am hosting a giveaway for one (1) lucky winner to receive a e-gift card valued at $25 to use towards starting the conversation with their teen(s) about drinking. Set a relaxing atmosphere with an day or evening out together, or a dinner night in. To enter, simply email me at: melisasource@yahoo.com with the words: FTAD – I Want To Win! In the subject field. One winner will be chosen at random and notified by email on 5/28. Must be 21 and over to enter.

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Good Luck!

Underage Drinking