Lend a Hand.

You may have an underage son or daughter who has experimented with drinking. People try alcohol for a lot of different reasons, but there are things you can do to help them stop or reduce their drinking. Being honest is one of the best ways to approach your teen. To help you prepare, here are a few things you may want to consider:

Speak with them when they haven't been drinking

They will take you more seriously when they are not under the influence of alcohol

Don't judge

Let them know you love them no matter what. But, you need to talk about drinking because you care and you're worried

Use "I" statements

Avoid saying things like "You drink too much," or "You don't care about your life." Instead, let them know why you care by saying things like "I get worried that you might not graduate"

Let them know what you know about alcohol

Use statements like "studies show that alcohol can permanently damage your brain," or "there are studies that show teens who drink alcohol are more likely to do badly in school and sports." Don't sound like a know-it-all, but let them know where you got the information

Don't expect too much

It's hard for someone to quit drinking after just one conversation. Try to be supportive, but continue to let them know that you don't approve of underage drinking

Encourage them to get help

Some people may need professional help to quit using alcohol. People who are addicted to alcohol should get help from a doctor or from a trained substance abuse counselor. See the list of resources that can help those with alcohol problems

Contact The Parent Line

It is a free statewide confidential telephone line, which offers support and information to parents and other caregivers. The phone line staff will help you face parenting challenges and behavior and development issues. Community resources information and parenting handouts are also available

Oahu 526-1222

Neighbor Islands 1-800-816-1222

www.theparentline.org