Your House. Your Rules.

Because teens are much less likely to drink when their families are actively involved in their lives,¹¹ setting rules together is a great way to ensure they know and understand your decisions about alcohol. Gather everyone together, from youngest to oldest, to set family rules and discuss the issues surrounding underage drinking.

What should be included in the rules?

• Who is allowed to drink and for what reasons
• Whose responsibility is it to do what chores
• Telephone, Internet and game use (appropriate times and length)
• Curfews
• Rules about smoking and other drug use
• Punishment and rewards for breaking/following the rules
• How conflicts (such as between siblings) will be handled

Things to consider:

• Get everyone involved: Allowing your children to help write the rules will show you trust and respect their opinions
  
• Put it in writing: Putting the house rules in writing can be an easy way to remember them
  
• Parents should have rules also: In addition to the rules you set for your teens, you should also have rules for yourselves as parents
  
• Make changes: Make changes to your house rules as necessary, especially as children turn into teens, and teens turn into adults