Alcohol Awareness Month

April is Alcohol Awareness Month which is a great time to talk to your children about drinking. Here are some reason's why it's important to talk to your children:

-Children become curious and some try drinking as early as 9 years old.

Before age 9, children typically view drinking negatively. Between 9 and 13, they start to view alcohol more positively. Children become more aware of the drinking behavior of their parents and other adults.

-Conversation is often more effective before children start drinking.

The reason most children choose not to drink is because their parents talked to them about it. If  you talk to them directly and honestly, they are more likely to respect your rules and advice about alcohol use.

-Children who start drinking at a young age are more likely to have problems with alcohol later in life.

Children who begin drinking before age 15 are seven times more likely to abuse alcohol or to have alcohol problems as adults. By starting a conversation about alcohol early, you can stop them from making a decision that could potentially harm their health and future.

-The chance that children will use alcohol increases as they get older.

Around 10% if 12-yr-olds say they've tried alcohol, but by age 15 that number jumps to 50%. The sooner you talk to your child about alcohol, the greater chance you have of impacting his or her decisions about drinking.

-If you don't talk about it, you're saying something.

What you say to your child about alcohol use is up to you. But remember, if you don't say anything to your child about drinking, you might give the impression that underage drinking is acceptable.