What Children Need to Know About Alcohol

In recent years, research has shown that approximately eighty percent of high school students have tried alcohol.  The majority of kids try alcohol during their high school and college years.  Although experimentation is common, it is neither safe no legal.  It is important to begin talking to children about alcohol use
 children and alcohol
 
and abuse at an early age and before they are first approached with the opportunity to drink.  There are some steps that can be taken to help increase the chances that children will say "no" once they are presented with alcohol. 

Although preschool age children are generally too young to be considered at risk for using alcohol, it is the perfect opportunity to give children this age good problem solving skills and the ability to carry out these skills on their own.  This is also the age where children imitate adults as part of their learning process so parents can be careful to drink in moderation or not drink at all in front of these children. 

Children age's four to seven are not yet capable of comprehending the concept of the future and still learn through experiences.  It is important to keep discussions about alcohol in the present and use for examples people and places that the children already know.  This is a good age to approach alcohol use from the standpoint of good health.  It can be explained by things such as how alcohol hurts the way they see, hear, walk, gives people bad breath, upset stomachs and headaches. 

Children between the ages of eight and eleven or children in later elementary school years are the perfect age to learn about alcohol and to have their decisions about alcohol use greatly influenced.  At this age, children are hungry to learn facts and to learn how things work and are at the appropriate age to be taught the facts of alcohol use.  Children this age can also be influenced by the opinions and thoughts of their friends so it is important that they be taught about peer pressure and the need to think and act as individuals.

By the time children are teens or ages twelve to seventeen they need to be familiar with the facts about alcohol.  This time is a time to review what they have already been taught and most importantly to keep the lines of communication open with them.  During the teen years, kids have a need to challenge their parents beliefs so it is important for them to have already internalized their knowledge of alcohol and adopted it as their own.  It is also important for the parent to keep a balance between communicating about alcohol and their experiences while giving them the privacy that they crave.


Parents need to realize that the best way to influence the decisions their children make is by living as the example for them to go by.  Numerous surveys list parents as the top influencers listed by children.  In addition to leading by example, talking to children and communicating even when the topic is difficult or embarrassing is the most important thing to remember.

Alcoholism in the News

09/05/2008
Former Fresno DA learned law the hard way (The Fresno Bee)
William Ardell "Bill" Smith, a former Fresno County district attorney, then a renowned defense attorney, admitted to struggles with chronic alcoholism that never eclipsed his reputation for character and honesty in his professional and personal life.

Former Fresno DA learned law the hard way (The Fresno Bee)

09/05/2008
For Even Healthy Men, Alcohol Seems to Lower Heart Attack Risk (HealthDay via Yahoo! News)
FRIDAY, Sept. 5 (HealthDay News) -- Suppose you're a healthy, physically fit, nonsmoking male. Your risk of heart attack is already low. Would having a drink or two of alcohol a day provide any additional protective benefit?

For Even Healthy Men, Alcohol Seems to Lower Heart Attack Risk (HealthDay via Yahoo! News)

09/05/2008
Neighborhood Alcohol Outlets Tied to Kids' Injury Risk (MedicineNet.com)
Title: Neighborhood Alcohol Outlets Tied to Kids' Injury Risk Category: Health News Created: 9/5/2008 2:00:00 AM Last Editorial Review: 9/5/2008

Neighborhood Alcohol Outlets Tied to Kids' Injury Risk (MedicineNet.com)

09/05/2008
Former Fresno DA learned law the hard way (The Fresno Bee)
William Ardell "Bill" Smith, a former Fresno County district attorney, then a renowned defense attorney, admitted to struggles with chronic alcoholism that never eclipsed his reputation for character and honesty in his professional and personal life.

Former Fresno DA learned law the hard way (The Fresno Bee)

09/05/2008
For Even Healthy Men, Alcohol Seems to Lower Heart Attack Risk (HealthDay via Yahoo! News)
FRIDAY, Sept. 5 (HealthDay News) -- Suppose you're a healthy, physically fit, nonsmoking male. Your risk of heart attack is already low. Would having a drink or two of alcohol a day provide any additional protective benefit?

For Even Healthy Men, Alcohol Seems to Lower Heart Attack Risk (HealthDay via Yahoo! News)

09/05/2008
BC BREAKING NEWS: (Kelowna Capital News)
A truck sits in the sushi restaurant that it plowed into only moments earlier Thursday evening in Maple Ridge. One person was killed and six are in hospital.

BC BREAKING NEWS: (Kelowna Capital News)

09/05/2008
BC BREAKING NEWS: (Kelowna Capital News)
A truck sits in the sushi restaurant that it plowed into only moments earlier Thursday evening in Maple Ridge. One person was killed and six are in hospital.

BC BREAKING NEWS: (Kelowna Capital News)

 alcohol affects

Better Your Health

Alcoholism is a Widespread Problem
What the Bible Says About Alcohol Abuse
The Difference Between Alcohol Dependence And Alcohol Abuse
What is the Attraction To Alcohol
FAQ's About Alcoholism Pt 1
FAQ's About Alcoholism Pt 2
A Brief Summary Regarding Alcoholism
Alcohol Abuse and the College Campus
The Brain And Alcohol
Health Risks For Women Alcoholics
Holiday Survival Guide For The Alcoholic
How A Child See's Alcoholism
Alcoholism Detoxification Steps
Alcoholism and the Workplace
The Children of Alcoholics
Common Questions About Alcoholism
Tests for Alcohol Use
Do All Alcoholics Need a Rehab Center
The Dangers and Penalties Of Drinking and Driving
The War On Drunk Driving
How To Determine When Someone Needs Professional Help
Some Facts About Alcoholism
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Diet Hints To Assist With Alcoholism Withdrawal
Helping Someone To Overcome Alcoholism
Alcoholism Risk Is Linked to Early Aged Drinking
A Portrait Of An Alcoholic
The Symptoms of Alcoholism
Basic Facts About Alcoholism
Hard Facts About Alcoholism
Cautions Concerning Non Alcoholic Beer
The College Campus And Alcoholism
Dangers of Alcoholism
Alcoholics Anonymous Steps 1-6
Alcoholics Anonymous Steps 6-12
What Causes An Alcoholic Blackout
New Shot to Treat Alcoholism
Alcoholism's Physical Effects
Group Support For Alcoholism
Threats From Alcoholism
The Truth About Alcoholism
Treating The Three Main Issues In Alcoholism
Treatments for Alcoholism
Vitamins and Supplements For The Alcoholic
Recovering From Alcoholism
Help Your Teen Avoid Becoming An Alcoholic
What Is Alcholism
Family Members Drinking Too Much
Explain Alcoholism
Who Are The Alcoholics
Women Fighting The Consequences of Alcoholism
Al Anon Support For The Alcoholic's Family
Health Consequences Of Alcoholism
Medications Used For Treating Alcoholism
Screening Tests For Alcoholism
What Is The Difference Between Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism
How to Stop Drinking Alcohol without AA
The Truth About Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholism - Curable or Just Controllable
The Causes of Alcoholism
So How Much Drinking Really Is Too Much?
Is Alcoholism Hereditary
What Children Need to Know About Alcohol
How to Recognize When Children are Drinking
What You Need to Know about how to Set Up an Intervention for an Alcoholic
How to Quit Drinking Without Gaining Weight
Site Map