What Is Parents Empowered?
Parents Empowered is a Utah statewide alcohol prevention campaign focused on keeping our kids safe and healthy. At its core, it encourages parents to be proactive: stay involved, have open conversations, and set clear boundaries around underage alcohol use.
With the back-to-school season in full swing, life gets hectic. Between homework, sports, and other activities, it’s easy for family time to slip through the cracks. But now — more than ever — is the time to stay engaged.
Talking to your children about the dangers of underage drinking isn’t a one-time conversation. It’s about creating an ongoing dialogue, showing them you care, and being a consistent part of their lives. Research shows that parental involvement is one of the strongest protective factors in preventing underage alcohol use.
What Can Parents Do?
Here are a few simple but powerful ways parents can stay connected:
- Talk Often: Explain the risks of alcohol and why it’s important to wait. Kids need to hear your values and expectations — and not just once.
- Set Clear Rules: Let your children know where the boundaries are and why they exist. Consistency is key.
- Stay Involved: Know their friends, their routines, and their worries. Being present makes a big impact on their development and safety.
- Make Time Every Day: Even just 15 minutes a day of quality time — playing a game, chatting over dinner, or taking a walk — helps build trust and strengthens your relationship.
Being a parent doesn’t mean being perfect — it means being present. As our kids head back to school and life speeds up, let’s slow down just enough to check in, connect, and let them know they’re not alone.
Because in the end, a few minutes of your time each day could make all the difference in your child’s future!