It’s a conversation that can be tricky to navigate – how and when to talk to your kids about drinking alcohol safely.
It’s a conversation that can be tricky to navigate – how and when to talk to your kids about drinking alcohol safely.
While the recommendation is always for your children to wait until they turn 18 before consuming alcohol, we encourage parents and carers to chat with their kids about the subject much earlier. It helps set expectations about your kids drinking alcohol before they start getting more independent, and it means you can continue chatting with them as new events or conversations arise.
Talking to teens about leavers' week
Try to talk to your child about alcohol well before they head off to Leavers – ideally, before they even hit their teens.
Having an open conversation and maintaining a non-judgemental attitude will make it more likely your child will talk to you when they need support.
Start the conversation
Year 7 is a time of big change and challenges, both academically and socially, as children make the transition to the teen years.
And Researchers from the Supporting Family Conversations Project say it's also the perfect time to talk to your child about drinking.
It's never too early
Parents remain the single strongest influence on their child’s choices. As a parent you can act now to guide your child’s behaviour and help keep them safe.
Have a coversation about the safe and responsible use of alcohol with facts, tips and scenarios from Supporting Family Conversations - a project by The Kids, the Department of Education WA and the Mental Health Commission, funded by Healthway.
