Don't wait until your teen tries something to discuss the consequences. "It is important for a parent to develop family rules and consequences about drinking," Monroe says. "These rules and their punishments should be clearly defined to the child so that they know what is at stake." If your child knows what will happen beforehand, he or she may be less tempted to try.
As much as we talk to kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, sometimes they feel the need to test it for themselves. By age 15, more than 50 percent of teens have at least tried an alcoholic drink or drug.
While one misstep won't send your child on a downward path, Monroe says, "early detection is key to stopping a potentially deadly situation." One way to do that is to "encourage teen gatherings in your home."
"This is a great way to give your teen a new hangout spot with the added comfort that you know what is happening in your own house," Monroe says.
