Parent to Parent: Drinking

WSVN--A car crash.

An open bottle of beer.

Two dead teenagers and two others critcally hurt.

This horrific scene is what students at John A. Ferguson Senior High school in Southwest Miami-Dade recently witnessed.

But it was only a mock crash coordinated by Miami-Dade Police, Fire Rescue and SADD - Students Against Destructive Decisions.

Giovanni Lugo: "I hope that we were able to portray our message to the rest of the students."

One out of every two eighth graders admits to trying alcohol.

And 60 percent of all teen deaths in car accidents are alcohol-related.

Lynn Martinez: "How early should you be talking to your kids about alcohol?"

Dr. Debbie Glasser: "It's never to early to start talking to your children about alcohol. Even at an early age you could talk about how alcohol could change behavior, how it can be used in an unsafe way and its not something for kids."

As your kids get older, ask them how they feel about drugs and alcohol, and share your own beliefs and expectations.

But instead of having just one big talk, create an ongoing dialogue.

Don't try to scare or threaten your child, instead state the facts and talk about the consequences.

Dr. Debbie: "Use real life examples to get the conversation flowing, so if you see for example on the news a tragedy about a child who was drinking and driving, use that as a springboard."

Also teach your children how to say "no."

Dr. Debbie: "Role play with your child a little bit. What would you do if somebody gets in the car and wants you to go with them? What are some ways that you can get out of it."

But recognize the realities of being a teenager.

Set appopriate limits.

Know who your child is hanging out with and where.

And encourage your child to call you if they need help.

Lynn Martinez: "Is the key to getting information from your kids is not being judgmental?"

Dr. Debbie: "Yes, the key is creating a "talk to me" environment and the way to do that is to be an open listener, to hear what they have to say."

The members of SADD hope other students learn about the dangers of drinking.

They don't want to see any teenager make a deadly decision

Lance Ortega: "It traumatizes you, it's very real."

IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN DR. DEBBIE CAN HELP YOU WITH E-MAIL US AT:
parent@wsvn.com

DR. DEBBIE GLASSER'S WEBSITE:
newsforparents.org