In this episode of Give’m Health, Rylee, a health educator at the Bear River Health Department, offers some great tips to help parents navigate underage drinking.
Helping Kids Stay Alcohol-Free This Holiday Season
The holiday season brings extra excitement, more family gatherings, and often more unstructured time for children and teens. This makes it an ideal time for parents and caregivers to strengthen communication, reinforce expectations, and create meaningful connections that help prevent underage drinking.
One of Utah’s most effective resources for families is Parents Empowered, a statewide underage alcohol prevention campaign that provides tools, research, and strategies to help keep kids alcohol-free.
What Is Parents Empowered?
Parents Empowered focuses on the powerful role parents play in guiding their children’s decisions. Studies show that kids whose parents consistently talk to them about alcohol are far less likely to drink underage. Even one caring, involved adult can significantly reduce risk.
The campaign highlights three evidence-based strategies that protect kids from alcohol use:
- Monitoring
- Bonding
- Setting Boundaries
1. Monitoring
During the holidays, children and teens often have more free time—sometimes unsupervised. This increases the potential for risky situations.
Monitoring simply means staying aware:
- Where your child is
- Who they are with
- What they are doing
- Checking in regularly
Consistent, age-appropriate supervision helps prevent underage drinking and keeps kids safe.
2. Bonding
Strong family bonds are one of the most powerful protective factors against underage alcohol use. The holiday season naturally creates opportunities to connect.
Simple bonding activities include:
- Baking or cooking together
- Playing games
- Looking at holiday lights
- Participating in family traditions
When kids feel valued and understood, they are more likely to communicate openly and turn to their parents when facing peer pressure or challenges.
3. Setting Boundaries
Clear expectations help children make safe decisions. Because the holidays often include parties, events, and downtime, this is a perfect time to reinforce your family’s no underage drinking rule.
Effective boundaries include:
- Clearly stating expectations
- Explaining why underage drinking is harmful
- Planning what to do if they face pressure to drink
- Reassuring them that you’re always available to help
Boundaries give kids confidence and make it easier for them to say no.
Creating a Judgment-Free Conversation
Many parents worry about saying the “wrong thing,” but starting the conversation is what matters most. Kids respond best when discussions about alcohol are open, calm, and judgment-free. Removing shame from the conversation helps them feel safe coming to you with questions or concerns.
Parents Empowered offers resources that make these conversations easier, practical, and supportive.