Hometown Health by Jenine Koziolek

Prom. Oh, those were the days. The feelings of anxiousness beforehand about who you were going to ask or who was going to ask you to go, the excitement of finding the perfect dress or just the right color for the tie, and getting all dressed up and enjoying strutting your stuff at the promenade.

But what about all the other decisions kids have about the evening, especially concerning the before and after Prom events? Am I going to the party where I know alcohol will be present? Do I partake in the drinking festivities? What will I do if I don’t go to the party? How will my parents react if I get caught drinking?

It’s likely that this last question may not even go through a teenager’s litany of thoughts — unless the crucial conversation has already taken place and clear expectations have been set.

Clear expectations such as:

• People under age 21 will not drink alcohol.

• Do not ride in a car with someone that has been drinking or using drugs.

• People under age 21 will not host parties at our home without parental supervision and at no time will alcohol be served to individuals under age 21.

• Be aware of who your child is with and where they are at for the evening. If the group begins discussing leaving, a phone call is necessary to a parent or guardian.

• Do not stay at a party where alcohol or drugs are present.

Research shows that parents play a key role in how a teenager responds to these situations involving alcohol. Children who learn about the risks of alcohol and drugs from their parents are up to 50 percent less likely to use and two out of three kids ages 13 to 17 say that losing their parents’ respect is one of the main reasons they don’t drink alcohol, smoke marijuana or use other drugs.

Perceived risk and social acceptance are other factors involved in the decision making on whether to use drugs or alcohol. Parents, other caring adults and older siblings can have a significant influence on the decisions that are made.

By being a healthy role model we can set a positive example and help the evening also be a positive and memorable event instead of a potential tragedy.

Don’t be afraid to be the tough parent, giving your child permission to use you as a good reason to not drink: “My mom or my dad would kill me if I drank or used.” Connect with your child’s friends, get to know them and what expectations have been discussed with them about alcohol use.

Make connections with the other parents too. When talking with the other parents, outline what you have discussed with your child to ensure you are providing a consistent message to your child’s peer group.

Take the perfect pictures and enjoy the excitement of Prom and enjoy the evening alcohol-free.

Fountain Centers is a Mayo Clinic Health System program for substance abuse and addiction celebrating 40 years of providing services in southern Minnesota.

Visit fountaincenters.org or call 800-533-1616 for more resources on how to have positive conversations with youth and to recognize problem use.

 

Jenine Koziolek is a member of Freeborn County Partners in Prevention, working to reduce substance use and abuse among youth in Freeborn County, and an outreach specialist at Fountain Centers.