Health Tip: Help Curb Teenage Drinking

(HealthDay News) -- Teen drinking is an ever-growing problem, and parents often struggle with how to talk to their children about it.

The Palo Alto Medical Foundation offers these suggestions:

• Talk about family expectations and rules regarding alcohol.
• Express how you feel about underage drinking.
• Make it clear that drinking and driving will not be tolerated.
• Talk about personal values that will encourage your child not to drink.
• Talk with your teen about peer pressure.
• Help your teen develop outside interests.
• Get to know your child''s friends.
• Never ask your child to open a bottle of wine, pour alcohol or bring you a beer.
• Be a role model.

-- Kimberly Sferruzzo

Last Updated: Jan. 10, 2006