Talk to your kids about drinking

Prom and graduation season is too often a time of alcohol-related tragedy. But there’s good news: 74% of teens say parents are their No. 1 influence in their decisions about alcohol, says Laura Dean-Mooney of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Power of Parents, a new program from MADD, includes an online component and a handbook to help start the conversation about teen drinking. Dean-Mooney’s advice:

Don't be afraid.

“Sometimes, parents are hesitant because they used alcohol underage,” she says. “Be honest about your use of alcohol, but reinforce that we didn’t know as much about underage drinking then as we do now.”

It's a two-way street.

It’s important to get your message across, but make sure you’re listening to your teenager and letting him have his say.

There's no 'right time.'

Says Dean-Mooney: “Anytime is a good time to talk to your kid about alcohol.” While the issue of underage drinking is certainly a hot topic around prom and graduation season, it’s not the first or only time you should talk with your child. Start around fourth grade, and the conversation can happen anywhere, she says. Practice what you preach.

Practice what you preach.

As an adult, you are entitled to a glass of wine every once in while. But As a parent, you have the responsibility to set an example when it comes to alcohol. So if you do choose to have a drink with dinner, make sure your teens know you won’t be driving.

Let your actions speak, too.

Words are only part of the equation; the conversation doesn’t end when your child leaves the house. Make sure you let your child know you will be monitoring where she is, whom she’s with and that you’ll be in touch with other parents. Let them know you want them to be safe, Dean-Mooney says.