Important Conversations

As a parent or caregiver, you are the biggest influence and the strongest intervention against your child/teen engaging in risky behaviors. Your relationship with them guards against risk factors that your child/teen will encounter as they develop. It is through conversations with you that your child/teen will develop beliefs and understand your family values and expectations that will buffer them against information they receive in the

Lots of little talks are more effective than one "big talk."

Sitting down for the "big talk" about alcohol can be intimidating for both you and your child. Try using everyday opportunities to talk— in the car, during dinner, or while you and your child are watching TV. Having lots of little talks takes the pressure off trying to get all of the information out in one lengthy discussion, and your child will be less likely to tune you out.

— Talk. They Hear You.