Underage drinking....How do you handle it with your teens?

[Dueller]

Originally posted by 72doug2,2S
One thought on the drinking in relation to sex comment. Responsible drinking is not getting drunk, Responsible dating is not having sex.

I don't care what you say, that's the rule in my house.

This may be the simplest and most plausible advice to give to a teen so they absorb it.

Except I believe I'd change it to "Responsible dating is not getting diseased or pregnant." Let's face it...it is a normal part of human development to have sexual feelings in your teen years. In fact, I'd guess that 99.9% of teens have had sexual relations...maybe not intercourse but everything from hand holding, on up is a sexual act.

With the amended advice, this puts the ball squarely in their control in no uncertain terms to decide the acceptable parameters...whether use of birth control or practicing abstinence is their method of being sexually responsible, ultimately that is what personal responsibility comes down to.

Likewise, a responsible attitude towards alcohol can be achieved by refraining or moderation.