Tips & Resources
for Successful Small Talks:
Children go through many physical, emotional, and social changes as they grow. It’s a natural part of adolescence that can make it hard to recognize when a child is at risk for underage drinking or already drinking alcohol. That’s why it’s important to look out for changes in kids’ attitudes and behaviors that could indicate a more serious problem. Talk with kids if you notice:
Big CHANGES like:
- Big mood swings and/or a defensive attitude.
- Problems at school, like falling grades or poor attendance.
- Breaking family rules.
- Getting rid of old friends or not introducing you to new ones.
- A lack of interest in their appearance or favorite activities.
- Memory lapses and poor concentration or coordination.
Signs of DRINKING like:
- The smell of alcohol.
- Slurred speech.
- Hangover symptoms, like bloodshot eyes.
- Alcohol missing from your home.
- Finding alcohol in hidden places, like a closet or backpack.
- Hanging out with friends that use alcohol or other substances.
Stay INVOLVED
Share meals, share hobbies, and share time together. Have small talks on all sorts of topics, not just concerns like alcohol. Kids who feel close to parents and other caregivers are less likely to engage in unsafe behavior like underage drinking.
Know what & HOW they’re doing
Keep up with your kid’s activities and emotions. Know what they’re doing and who they’re with, and check on them with a call or text. They may roll their eyes, but they know you care.
Meet your kid’s FRIENDS & their PARENTS
Kids whose friends drink are much more likely to try alcohol themselves. Help kids choose healthy relationships, and make sure fellow caregivers know your alcohol-free rules.
Set a good EXAMPLE
Kids learn by watching those around them. If you drink, drink in moderation. Use music, laughter, exercise, or help from others to cope with everyday stress. Celebrate without alcohol and secure the alcohol in your home.
Understand the LAW
It’s illegal to drink and drive, and to provide a location for underage drinking. Supplying other people’s kids with alcohol, even members of the military, is against the law if they’re under 21. Respect Wisconsin’s laws and make sure kids understand them too.
It’s OKAY to be NERVOUS!
Underage drinking isn’t a rite of passage. It’s not just curiosity or bad behavior, either. It is a community-wide challenge that affects Wisconsin families of all shapes and sizes. There are many reasons why children try alcohol, from peer pressure to unregulated marketing tactics. Kids may see it as a way to cope with trauma or difficulties in school, at home or in their community. No matter what, families aren’t to blame for underage drinking. But they can make a difference.
Concerned about a kid’s well-being?
Call 211 or 1-833-944-4673
The Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline can help you find local services and support. It’s free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.