Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Parents: Please remember during this season, it not your job to be your child's friend

Parents, It is time for you to draw the line. Actually you should have drawn it ages ago. Yes, you want your kid to love you. You don't want to seem old to your kid. But you took on the role of parent. Not friend. That is the job of your kid's friend who happens to be the same age. Please read below and know the facts. You cannot only hurt your precious kid but yourself... your life and your retirement. By the way, that would really hurt your kid.

I am not a judgmental soul. But seriously, a hotel room for after prom? Why do you give condoms as party favors? Seriously. What are you doing? Think about it.

Here are the facts:

There are many health-related consequences of youth consuming alcohol including negative effects on brain development, deviant behavior including stealing and skipping school and a greater risk of becoming alcohol-dependant later in life.
Parents who give alcohol to their teen’s friends under any circumstances, even in their own homes, are breaking the law.
Parents who knowingly allow a person under 21 to remain in their home or on their property while consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages can be prosecuted and everything associated with such a violation can be confiscated, including personal property.
Parents can be sued if they give alcohol to anyone under 21 and they in turn hurt someone, hurt themselves or damage property.
Underage use of alcohol is a serious problem that too often leads to harmful consequences for youth and their families. Parents can protect themselves and their teens by following these guidelines when hosting parties for their children:

Host safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth during prom and graduation season.
Refuse to supply alcohol to children or allow drinking in your home or on your property
Be at home when your teenager has a party
Make sure your teenager’s friends do not bring alcohol into your home
Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at youth events
Report underage drinking
Our youth deserve to live and grow to adulthood in an environment where alcohol is not misused. Let’s be unified in our message, and host alcohol-free parties with plenty of fun activities to show our youth that we care about their future.