BE A RESPONSIBLE HOST

 “Parents are giving kids alcohol. It happens a lot. It makes binge drinking more acceptable.”  – Placer County Teen

 

TO BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION FOR A HEALTHIER, SAFER PLACER COUNTY FOR OUR TEENS:

Take quick and decisive action to protect your teen against the dangers of alcohol and drugs by making the following commitments:

  • I will have ongoing conversations with my teen about our family expectations and boundaries regarding underage tobacco use, vaping, alcohol, marijuana/cannabis, other illegal drugs and non-prescribed medications.
  • I will assure parties or events held at my home are properly supervised and without any substances accessible to minors.
  • I will notify a neighbor or another responsible adult about our absence if I am out of town.
  • I will prevent my teen’s friends from driving if I know or suspect they have been drinking or using drugs.
  • I welcome any parent or guardian of a teen attending a party at my home to call and check on party details, times, supervision and any other concerns.

TALKING WITH YOUR TEEN – HOW TO GET STARTED:

  • Create an environment of trust and understanding by sharing values, family history and the harms of teen substance use and abuse.
  • Define clear, consistent boundaries and expectations around substance use and abuse.
  • Actively listen and give your teen room to voice his or her own views and feelings.
  • Talk about how to handle situations your teen may encounter.
  • Be rational and don’t overreact.
  • Be calm and non-judgmental.
  • Don’t lecture, exaggerate, interrupt or make false claims.
  • You don’t have to be an expert – but show that you are informed. It’s ok to say you don’t know.
  • If conversations becomes negative, let it go and continue when another opportunity develops.
  • Ongoing dialogue is the best way to keep communication flowing both ways and address situations as they come up.

FINAL Door Hanger (2)

Click on the link above for a full size version of our Social Host Ordinance door hangers which were produced with the help of the Placer County Youth Commissioners and Sierra College.