What to Teach Children about Alcohol
In recent years, research has shown that approximately eighty percent of high school students have tried alcohol. The majority of kids try alcohol during their high school and college years. Although experimentation is common, it is neither safe no legal. It is important to begin talking to children about alcohol use
and abuse at an early age and before they are first approached with the opportunity to drink. There are some steps that can be taken to help increase the chances that children will say "no" once they are presented with alcohol.
Although preschool age children are generally too young to be considered at risk for using alcohol, it is the perfect opportunity to give children this age good problem solving skills and the ability to carry out these skills on their own. This is also the age where children imitate adults as part of their learning process so parents can be careful to drink in moderation or not drink at all in front of these children.
Children age's four to seven are not yet capable of comprehending the concept of the future and still learn through experiences. It is important to keep discussions about alcohol in the present and use for examples people and places that the children already know.
This is a good age to approach alcohol use from the standpoint of good health. It can be explained by things such as how alcohol hurts the way they see, hear, walk, gives people bad breath, upset stomachs and headaches.
Children between the ages of eight and eleven or children in later elementary school years are the perfect age to learn about alcohol and to have their decisions about alcohol use greatly influenced. At this age, children are hungry to learn facts and to learn how things work and are at the appropriate age to be taught the facts of alcohol use.
Children this age can also be influenced by the opinions and thoughts of their friends so it is important that they be taught about peer pressure and the need to think and act as individuals.
By the time children are teens or ages twelve to seventeen they need to be familiar with the facts about alcohol. This time is a time to review what they have already been taught and most importantly to keep the lines of communication open with them.
During the teen years, kids have a need to challenge their parents beliefs so it is important for them to have already internalized their knowledge of alcohol and adopted it as their own. It is also important for the parent to keep a balance between communicating about alcohol and their experiences while giving them the privacy that they crave.
Parents need to realize that the best way to influence the decisions their children make is by living as the example for them to go by. Numerous surveys list parents as the top influencers listed by children. In addition to leading by example, talking to children and communicating even when the topic is difficult or embarrassing is the most important thing to remember.
Companion Remedies for Anxiety, Depression, Addiction
MindSoothe - Promotes balanced mood and feelings, as well as healthy levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters
PureCalm - Aids nervous system in stress resistance for balanced moods and feelings of well being
Serenite Plus - Promotes healthy sleep and peaceful nights
Sleep Tonic - Helps maintain a healthy balance of all hormones involved in healthy sleep patterns
Managing Stress & Anxiety - A recent study showed that medical students who learned techniques used in this program significantly reduced stress. And blood samples revealed their immune systems became stronger the more they practiced the techniques!
Mood Tonic - Optimizes nervous system health and promotes balanced mood and peacefulness
Core Inner Strength - Through the focused attention made possible through professional hypnosis, you can begin to see your own worth, and attain your own optimum levels of self-esteem.
Nerve Tonic - Promotes nervous system health, maintains balanced mood and worry-free mind
The Calm Within CD - Offers professional relaxation, visualization and affirmation techniques for self-help and stress reduction
Beyond the Baby Blues - This 2-CD program is designed to lift your spirits, comfort your soul, and create the necessary balance needed while you are adjusting to your new life and new baby.
Alcoholism in the News
11/18/2008
Tackling addictions as a pair works best (The News-Press)
Overcoming alcoholism is tough enough.
Tackling addictions as a pair works best (The News-Press)
11/18/2008
One man's 'story of recovery' (Grand Haven Tribune)
There were times that Nelson (who asked not to use his last name) didn't think he was going to make it. He had lost his job, home and most importantly, his daughter to his battle with alcoholism.
One man's 'story of recovery' (Grand Haven Tribune)
11/18/2008
Indian youth grapples with modern life (Denver Post)
Modern American Indian life is rarely portrayed with any nuance in popular culture. Instead we tend to get historical glorification and mythmaking, like "Dances With Wolves," or documentaries about reservation alcoholism or gambling empires.
Indian youth grapples with modern life (Denver Post)
11/19/2008
NEWS: 'Men of Dartmouth' draws large crowd (The Dartmouth)
Seven undergraduate men discussed the evolution of their understanding of masculinity and what it means to be a man in front of a riveted audience in a packed Collis Common Ground on Tuesday night. The second annual "Men of Dartmouth" panel, which ended with a standing ovation, covered a range of topics including death, illness, war, alcoholism and self-discovery.
NEWS: 'Men of Dartmouth' draws large crowd (The Dartmouth)
11/19/2008
City to request alcohol tax (The Farmington Daily Times)
FARMINGTON — City councilors voted Tuesday to support a liquor tax that, if approved, would fund programs to thwart alcoholism.
City to request alcohol tax (The Farmington Daily Times)
11/18/2008
Indian youth grapples with modern life (Denver Post)
Modern American Indian life is rarely portrayed with any nuance in popular culture. Instead we tend to get historical glorification and mythmaking, like "Dances With Wolves," or documentaries about reservation alcoholism or gambling empires.
Indian youth grapples with modern life (Denver Post)
|
