OKAY

T}IE RIGffiT TIME!

with

Walk the Talk; as from an

early

be aware of alcoholicdrinks and patterns ofdrinking

age, y0ur ch ild

andy0u

your home. Let the childobserve you modellingsensible drinking habits

by Puneet Rathic Be present physically and mentally duringvulnerable moments of your child

Parents can share how alcohol can impairthe parts of the brain that control: Motorcoordination; lmpulse control, Memory andJudgment and decision making capacity.Also discuss with children how alcohol can

adversely impact their personal and sociallife, take life away from their dreams.

Talk Points. Choose an appropriate time and place totalk

r Bring the topic up informally-perhapsafter watching a TV show, a news item or amovie that can become a catalyst to begina conversation

o Comfort and encourage your child toexpress his/her feelings, thoughts andopinions. Refrain from jumping toconclusions

. Be clear about the rules and ensure yourchild knows that under-age drinking is

against the law. Research shows thatchildren expect and want their parents toset boundaries, even if they do transgressthem occasionally

" Avoid scare tactics-young people aremore likely to be persuaded by listening toa realistic presentation of the facts

. Talk to your child about your concerns sothey understand the potentialconsequences of drinking

And if you find your child taking alcohol,wait until the child is back in senses so youcan have a rational discussion; though youmight want to talk to the child about itimmediately, especially if you are upset ora^gry EI

s pcr a srii'i/e!' conductedrecentiy b,v ASSOCHAM underits ASSOCHAM Social

Deveioprnent Foundation (ASDF)

alcohol intake in teenagersi;etween the age of 15 to 19,

especialiy among metropolitannas ,ricreased over last few years due to:nore aDSenr parents, easy money and.,s.ng raLes o'stress ano depression amongleenugers, {clio,rvtng westernlzation.

Why Kids Take to Alcoholr lo rebei or creare a shock

" io feei they Leiong to a group of friends

" They enjoy takirrg risks

. '1's ir,'i - j;st fo. rhe sake of rt

. 1's i]re .n.tl-ing:c.r d; ,tc-,,v-a-clays

. Ea:y ar,aiiabiiity \o -l"c

ieel iike a grcr,rrn.up

r A.n e:cape from pressures of iife

. Io Lr'eak rnrngrony

Parents to watch out for thesesymptoms in their childrenI i.ait{ ri.ilerg)'

. Changes in physical appearance

. Feeling bored

o Eating prob ers. Mood srt' r'os

. Valuabies .. -.-., - ss rc from home

. Sudden crcc . :aj:.-=^cer Too m;c' :

=- -a :- ="-:'To Break the Barrier. Builo a co^tr:--:-;- ::---- ::::-. Spend time ,'. :- \ :: :-: - =,:'.-=.friends welco^^e - .. :-- - :-:e Buildasensec'ca-::-: .: -: ,r:- -the child

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ffi uritr*rb 1;::= , i-:Lt'Ltur"y 2013