At 15, I thought I knew everything. I felt older, responsible, and independent than I actually was. I also thought my relationship with alcohol was a healthy one. Boy, was I wrong. Somewhere in my late twenties I realized I was definitely an alcoholic. Then 6 months of hard work, healing and finally rehab for acceptance. Since then I have been sober.
I have a daughter who is now 15 years old. The idea that she drinks like I did at that age? Well, let’s just say it keeps me awake at night. After 20 years of drinking and 9 years of quality drinking, I know a thing or two about the highs and lows of drinking. It’s about how best to talk to teenagers.
When I spoke with Ashley Loeb Blassingame, co-founder of Lionrock Recovery, certified addiction counselor, interventional therapist, and mother of two boys, she said I was on the right track. I was convinced. “I think the biggest mistake you can make is not talking about it at all,” she tells me, noting what my kids think of alcohol “only other people and kids.” It is important that it cannot be shaped into
I know what she’s talking about Alcohol is regularly glorified in our society. Ads and movies make drinking look glamorous. Kids love sipping drinks from stemware and popping corks in sparkling cider while on vacation. You can glorify it by suggesting, “Have a few cups of coffee to keep us warm and well.” The message is clear and distinct. Drinking is fun and safe, and everyone does. This is not a message I want my children to hear, but I always don’t know how to deal with these comments.
I have a daughter who is now 15 years old. The idea that she drinks like I did at that age? Well, let’s just say it keeps me awake at night.
Blassingame believes that these moments are the perfect time to start a conversation with your child. A quick observation and an open-ended question can help guide the story as follows: May I ask your opinion? She also notes that “too often we spend too much time telling our kids what to think and not enough time asking them what they think.” In addition to her observations, she asks open-ended questions such as “What do you think about it?” may be all you need.
“The good news and the bad news is that there is no perfect formula for parenting because each child is different,” adds the Brassingame. means being very honest. Detox. drawer. rehabilitation. step. meeting. sponser. AAMy children are familiar with these words.They know that I fell in love with the feeling of being drunk, and that once I found the euphoria of being drunk, it was the only thing I ever looked forward to. i know i have a lot of happy memories with alcohol but in the end i know that alcohol destroyed my life. They know it all because they don’t hide it. They ask questions like HHow old were you when you first drank? what did you drink? Did your mom know you were drunk on the weekends? and answer honestly.
Also, share one flag you missed. The first time I drank alcohol, I lost consciousness. I thought that was normal. When I was younger, I never thought it was a sign of alcoholism. Now I know and if I faint at any time it could be a big warning that my body processes alcohol differently and if that happens or if it happens to me or another adult I tell my children that they need to know.
I struggle with balance. I am fully aware that drinking is normal and expected behavior for her teens and young adults. I don’t want to deprive my children of that experience. I don’t want to give them too much scare.
For some reason, I always feel like I’m approaching the problem from the extreme. Blassingame encourages parents to “cover the middle class.” This means sharing “stories about people who aren’t on either end of the spectrum and how alcohol can cause mild problems,” but it’s still problematic.
she continues. Although it is certainly the result of [represents] A small portion of alcoholics. Try to introduce different kinds of scenarios…so you can get help sooner if you start having problems. ”
Our goal is to inform, educate, and create a safe and welcoming environment for teenagers. And remember to do the best you can.
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