Navigating Teens, Celebrations, and Alcohol This Season

By Carmen Glenn

Not only is April National Alcohol Awareness Month, but it is also the start of a busy end of the school year.  Between prom, graduation, and all the end of year celebrations, our kids will experience big milestones that often come with situations where alcohol is present.  My middle child is a senior this year, and when I think about all the ways things can go wrong with teens and alcohol, it feels overwhelming.  The reality is, no matter how much we want to protect our teens, we can’t be everywhere, but we can prepare them.

I’ve learned that the best talks don’t happen when I sit my kids down for a “big conversation.” They happen in the car, while making dinner, or in those random moments when no one feels put on the spot. The less eye contact and staring directly at each other, the better.  Keeping it casual takes the pressure off everyone. Those small, frequent check-ins build trust and make tackling the big conversations easier.  

I have been pleasantly surprised that slowly, over time it becomes easier and less awkward to talk to my teens about alcohol.  However, I still find communicating clear expectations challenging, especially when my best efforts don’t always land the way I had intended.  Even though my kids will roll their eyes, knowing where our family stands on rules around alcohol and having boundaries help them make decisions when peer pressure kicks in.  It may not seem like your kids are listening to you, but if you come from a place of caring, they will know that you are supporting them.  Prepping them in advance with at-the-ready “excuses” for how to say no is a great way to help them feel prepared.  “No thanks, I have an early soccer game tomorrow” or “Thanks, but I have to go to breakfast with my grandparents tomorrow morning.”  Sometimes placing these excuses in our kids’ head is all they need to navigate and enjoy the graduation season.  It’s not about expecting the worst; it’s about making sure they feel supported no matter what.

At the end of the day, this season is about celebrating how far kids have come and the exciting next steps in their lives. I want my son to enjoy these moments, make memories, and stay safe doing it. I truly believe the best thing we as parents can do is stay connected, keep the conversations going, and remind our teens that we’re always in their corner. I definitely do not get every conversation exactly right but showing up and staying involved goes a long way.

Please feel free to share with us how you support your teen and teach them about alcohol by emailing us at dtownctc@gmail.com.