Conversations for Parents

As Director of Straight Up Ventura County and an interactive workshop facilitator, I have the opportunity to participate in many discussions with groups of youth about issues related to underage and binge drinking. The subject of parents’ influence is often a meaningful part of these discussions.  Because we also talk with parents regularly, I often ask young people what advice they would give to parents about alcohol issues. “Talk to your kids.”  is by far the most common response.  They usually go further to include the advice to “not freak out,” but, instead, have real conversations that include listening.

Here is a link to a useful resource, Sample Conversations with Parents,  with audio and expert advice on talking with your teens on important subjects. These are on a great site, Parents, the Anti-Drug.

• “But Dad, It’s Only Pot”
• Starting a Conversation about Risk-Taking
• Drinking – A Rite of Passage? When You and Your Spouse Disagree
• Bags and Bedrooms: Should I Take a Closer Look?
• “My Teen Is Lost in Cyberspace”
• “We’re Divorced, and We Don’t Agree”
• Checking In…With Other Parents
• “I Don’t Approve of My Teen’s Appearance”
• “My Grandchild Won’t Listen to Me”
• Can You Hear Me Now? Setting Limits on Cell Phone Use
• “My Teen Raided the Medicine Cabinet”

If you get a chance to listen to some of these, we’d appreciate your feedback.  And we’d especially love to hear about your experiences in talking with your teens.

Thank you!

Katherine Kasmir
Program Director
Straight Up Ventura County