TALK ABOUT IT
Tell your teenager what you think about alcohol. If you drink, talk about why you drink and about why adults are allowed to drink but children aren’t. Be clear that teenagers should not drink. Don’t give in to avoid the hassle.
You can open up a discussion and help your child form their own opinions. But remember, as the adult, you are responsible for setting the rules in your family.
AGREE AS A FAMILY
It’s a good idea to talk about what to do in different situations. You might, for example, decide that one adult will always stay completely sober if your child is out in case something happens and your teenager needs you to come and get them.
GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT
Drinking habits can be passed on to the next generation. Children who grow up in families where alcohol is a problem, or is abused, run a greater risk of developing problems with alcohol themselves. Both the family situation and genetic factors play a part.
Children with parents who drink too much can also be concerned about this, however, and be extra cautious when it comes to alcohol as a result.
If someone in your family is a problem drinker, help is available – both for the teenager and for the adult. Go to alkoholprofilen.se or 1177.se to answer a few simple questions and get a picture of your own alcohol consumption.
You’ll also find tips about organisations you can contact for support on this page.