Alcohol is a legal and accepted drug in our society. Our own attitudes and use influence our children's view of alcohol. Try
to imagine your children watching you and others drink. Do they see you unwind with a drink? Do all your social events and
celebrations include alcohol? Do you ever ask your children to bring a drink to you?
It is important to let your children know your family values and rules about drinking. You can start by answering their questions
about alcohol. Here are some practical answers that may help you:
"Can I have a sip of your beer?"
"No. This is a drink for adults and it's not good for growing children. Would you like some juice?"
"Why do you drink it?"
"I enjoy the taste, but if I drink too much it will change the way I feel, so I have to be careful."
"What's in this pop that makes it taste so funny?"
"This drink has alcohol in it. It's a drink for adults. I need to be more careful to keep it out of your reach and you need
to remember not to take someone else's drink."
"I thought you're not supposed to drink and drive and that's what you're doing!"
"I'm drinking a can of juice. When I have a drink that contains alcohol, like beer or wine, I will not drive."
"Why did Uncle Jim start walking and talking funny at the party last night?"
"Uncle Jim had too much alcohol to drink. Too much alcohol can make you feel and act differently. It can even make you sick
to your stomach. What do you think about the way he acted?"
Make sure there are no leftover drinks or open bottles that a child could get into around your house. A child can be harmed
seriously by even a small amount of alcohol.