NCJ Number
109196
Date Published
1986
Length
25 pages
Annotation
Designed to help parents intervene to help change incorrect preteen perceptions about alcohol, this booklet prepares parents for open discussions about the dangers of alcohol abuse with 9- to 12-year-old children.
Abstract
Research findings indicate that 4 out of 10 sixth graders say there is pressure from other students to use alcohol, approximately 35 percent of fourth graders believe drinking is 'a big problem' for their age group, and 11 percent of 11- to 13-year-olds report that they have used alcohol. These findings point to the importance of parental communication about alcohol to help change incorrect preteen perceptions. Using this publication as a guide, parents can pick and choose the steps that seem most useful at a given time. Parents are urged to talk with their children about alcohol, learn to really listen to their children, help their children feel good about themselves, help their children develop strong values, and be good models for their children. Parents are advised to help preteens deal with peer pressure, make family policies that help their children say 'no', encourage healthy activities, and team up with other parents. Photographs.