The one topic to discuss with college-bound teens

If you have teenagers about to head for college, I’m certain there are many things you want to tell them right before they enter that dorm room. According to this article, there is one topic parents really need to talk to their teenagers about.

Talk to your college-age kids about alcohol abuse.

It doesn’t help that some legislators and university heads want to lower the drinking age to 18 years of age, which is a stupid approach to this epidemic. But the statistics related to alcohol abuse in college are so high that our teenagers need to understand the consequences of drinking without control or knowledge.

There are three areas that parents can contribute in the decision making involving your college-bound son or daughter:

1. Parents of a High School Student—Choosing the Right College. Excessive alcohol use is more likely to occur in colleges where Greek systems dominate (i.e., fraternities, sororities), where athletic teams are prominent, and those located in the Northeast.
2. Parents of a College Freshman—Staying Involved. The first 6 weeks is crucial because students still have a great deal of free time.
3. Parents of a College Student Facing an Alcohol-Related Crisis—Getting Assistance. Be aware of signs of possible alcohol abuse by your son or daughter.

Details of what parents need to know about college drinking are found in this PDF. For more information, visit http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov.