Your child’s brain is still developing well into their twenties. Kids who start drinking alcohol before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol abuse or dependence than people who first used alcohol at age 21 or older. Below are tips and skills for parents and caregivers to try out at home. You don’t need to be a “mad scientist” in order to parent. Positive parenting is prevention!

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Communication
Communication is the key to staying connected with your teen. Here are some excellent tips and clips to help keep the communication lines open so you and your kid can stay connected. A connected teen is a protected teen! 

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Encouragement
When we encourage our children, they see themselves as capable, valued and appreciated, especially if the encouragement is meaningful. Here are some helpful suggestions to help strengthen your connection by encouraging positive behaviors. 

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Negotiation
When we model and teach positive negotiating-skills, our children become engaged and empowered individuals who see themselves as problem-solvers. Check out these resources that will help build your skills. Learn how to identify the problem, focus on the facts and what things to avoid. 

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Limit-Setting
By setting limits, we provide our child with a sense of safety and show them we care. Here are some useful guidelines to help you set clear, fair and consistent limits. Learn how to communicate and correct without criticizing. 

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Supervision
Kids who are supervised know their parents really care. Supervision reduces problems and increases safety. Discover what you need to know when asking your teen: with whom, where and when to be home.

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Your opinions, values, attitudes and expectations matter! In fact, the key reason kids give for not drinking is that they do not want to disappoint their parents.