Parents play a huge role in their children's lives. What they tell their children, and more importantly what they SHOW their children, significantly influences the choices and decisions that kids make.

If you would like to share tips, advice, or stories, please e-mail dscott@cssu.org!

Parenting Tips for Success Seminar to be held Saturday, March 15th, 2008

CY will offer this one day seminar on 3/15/08 to help parents polish their parenting skills and offer tips on how to face some of the challenges as children transform into teenagers! The seminar will be held from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm at CVU High School. Throughout the day, parents will learn how to strengthen family bonds, improve communication, set clear expectations and guidelines, express anger in healthy ways and help children with positive decision-making. The seminar is open to all, but is targeted to those who have children in grades 5 to 10. The cost is $30 per parent and scholarships are available. Pre-registration is required and space is limited, so sign up today! For more information or to register please contact Jen Bickel-Hayes at 482-6951 or e-mail jbickel-hayes@cvuhs.org.

Something to Think About
Are you considering hosting a party at your home or camp where there will be alcoholic beverages available for teens? Perhaps the kids will leave their keys with you or another adult - no one should drive after drinking. Seems like a reasonable plan? Think again.

They're going to drink anyway.
Parents can have an enormous influence on their children's decision about whether to drink. Kids who learn about the risks of alcohol and other drug use from their parents are much less likely to use than kids who learn nothing from them. The number one reason teens who don't use alcohol or other drugs give when asked why? My parents would be disappointed in me if I did.

At least they won’t be driving.
There's no question that combining alcohol or other drug use and driving is a dangerous idea. But risks aren’t limited to vehicle use. 70% of all fatal falls occur when the person is under the influence of alcohol or another substance, as do 69% of all drownings.

What’s the harm in hosting a party, as long as I take the keys?
Hosting a party or providing alcohol to a minor brings with it a number of legal issues, both for yourself and your teen. Keep reading to learn the real risks.

The LAWS in Vermont

1. Even if you are on your own property or in your own home you can be imprisoned 2 years or fined $2,000 or both if you sell or furnish alcohol to a person under the age of 21. If you provide a place for underage drinking to occur, you may also be held accountable.
   
2. If a minor who consumed alcohol at the party breaks a law, you may be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. If they cause injury to another person, you may be liable for injuries.
   
3. Parents or other adults may be held responsible if there is property damage, fighting, sexual assault or any other injury.
   
4. If the party gets out of hand and someone dies, you may be prosecuted for involuntary manslaughter in both criminal and civil suits.
   
5. Adults who sell or furnish alcohol to a minor or provide a place to drink, and that minor while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway causes death or bodily injury," shall be imprisoned up to five years or fined not more than $10,000 or both. That addition bumps the case of furnishing, selling or enabling up to a felony.
   
6. Minors who possess, purchase or procure alcohol can be arrested and charged with a civil offense. The penalties are a fine of up to $300 and being required to complete a teen alcohol safety program. This applies to minors who are in possession of alcohol physically as well as minors who are under the influence.

What Parents Can Do

1. Talk to your teen ahead of time about your values, rules and boundaries around alcohol and other drug use. One of the most effective deterrents to alcohol and drug use among youth is their parents. Set clear boundaries and reasonable consequences pertaining to the use of substances.
   
2. Educate yourself about alcohol and other drugs. Be a credible source of information for your teen. Talk to other professionals or contact your school's Student Assistance Program (S.A.P.) Counselor.
   
3. Become knowledgeable about the laws regarding the sales, provision, and use of alcohol and other drugs by minors. Know the legal risks to both yourself and your teen.
   
4. Be aware that you are a role model for your kids. Remember that actions speak louder than words. Your behaviors and social activities are an example for your children. If you have a problem with substance use, seek help for yourself. Obtaining help for your own problem is the best lesson you can teach your child.
   
5. Ask lots of questions. Who? What? When? Where? It's not pestering. It !s parenting. Its okay to call other parents and check out what !s happening, who will be around, and if there will be appropriate supervision. Many low risk kids become casualties of high risk moments.
   
6. Provide substance-free alternatives. Work with your teen to plan safe & fun activities that are substance-free. Life is full of natural highs !
   
7. Talk, talk, talk, and listen, listen, listen. Open communication is the
   best prevention tool available.