Vivian Marlowe
Keeping alcohol away from kids is a challenging task for parents. Alcohol is often stored in unsecured locations that are easily accessible to teens, and they can be very creative when it comes to sneaking alcohol into the house. They may use shampoo bottles, mouthwash, or other drink bottles to hide alcohol, or even carry it in hidden flasks disguised as everyday objects. To prevent this, parents can lock up their alcohol, monitor their alcohol levels, and have honest conversations with their children about the dangers of underage drinking. It's also important to watch for changes in behaviour and be aware of the potential risks of alcohol experimentation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store alcohol in a high cabinet, or a locked liquor cabinet or safe |
| Monitoring | Monitor alcohol levels, keep track of how much is in each bottle, and check for unusual containers |
| Communication | Have open and honest conversations about alcohol, set clear expectations and rules, and explain the dangers and risks of underage drinking |
| Modelling | Be a role model by drinking responsibly, and don't drink alcohol while discussing it with your children |
| Punishment | If rules are broken, take away privileges such as cell phones, computers, or video games |
| Planning | Help your child plan for social situations where alcohol may be present |
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What You'll Learn
Lock it up
While some adults are mindful of where every drop of alcohol is kept in their home, it's not uncommon for alcoholic beverages to be left in unsecured locations, easily accessible to teens. These include decorative canisters, the pantry, the fridge, or the mantelpiece.
Locking up alcohol is a good way to keep children from accessing it at home. It also prevents accidental ingestion and reduces the temptation for teens to try alcohol. It sets clear boundaries and sends the message that alcohol is for adults only.
As your children get older, you may need to install a childproof lock on your cabinet or invest in a liquor cabinet or safe that can be securely locked. You can even request free locks from programs such as North Carolina’s Talk It Up.
However, some parents may feel that locking up alcohol is unnecessary due to the trust between parent and child, or because they believe their teen will not drink alcohol. For example, one parent stated: “Today I let [son] have a little sip of [liquor], and he didn’t like it. Why would you drink that when it doesn’t even taste good?".
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Monitor alcohol levels
Monitoring alcohol levels is a key part of preventing kids from sneaking alcohol into your house. Firstly, it is important to be aware of the locations in which alcohol is stored in your home. Alcohol is often kept in unsecured locations, such as the refrigerator in the garage, that are easily accessible to teenagers. To prevent this, store alcohol in a high cabinet or a locked liquor cabinet or safe. This will not only prevent accidental ingestion but will also set clear boundaries and send the message that alcohol is for adults only.
In addition to secure storage, parents should keep track of the alcohol they have in their house. This can include counting or marking bottles to monitor levels. Be mindful of how much alcohol you put in the fridge and how much liquor is in each bottle. If you decide not to lock up your alcohol, it may be advisable to take the occasional sip just to make sure your teen isn't replacing the alcohol with water to evade detection.
It is also important to be aware of the various ways in which kids may try to sneak alcohol into the house. They may use shampoo bottles, mouthwash, or other toiletries bottles to hide alcohol. They may also carry it in hidden flasks, such as those disguised as binoculars or sunscreen bottles, or conceal it in drink bottles, such as water bottles or sports drink containers. Keeping an eye on your teen's bag or whether they bring drink bottles with them when they go out with friends can help detect if they are mixing alcohol with other beverages.
In addition to monitoring alcohol levels in the house, parents should also be vigilant during gatherings or parties. Let your teens know that you'll be checking the premises at random times when they're entertaining friends. This perceived monitoring can be an effective deterrent.
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Talk about the dangers of alcohol
It is important to talk about the dangers of alcohol with children from a young age. Be mindful of the potential dangers that alcohol can pose to younger children and teens. Even ingesting a small amount can cause alcohol poisoning in kids. Alcohol is a drug, and it is the most abused drug by teens. Many kids have their first drink at a very young age, sometimes as young as 10 or 11.
It is important to have honest conversations about alcohol and the dangers of underage drinking. Emphasize that their brains are still developing until the age of 25, and that alcohol can negatively impact this important developmental period. Drinking at a young age can lead to alcohol problems later in life. It can also lead to unplanned sexual activity, violence, and alcohol poisoning. Teens who drink are more likely to have unprotected sex, experience a decline in grades, change friend groups, and have erratic mood swings. It is also important to note that drinking before the age of 21 is illegal, and there can be legal penalties such as fines, community service, and court fees.
Explain to your children that alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down or depresses the brain. It can cause long-term brain changes and increase the likelihood of developing alcoholism. Someone with alcoholism craves alcohol and has little control over their drinking. They may not be able to stop without help, and it often gets worse over time.
It is also crucial to set clear expectations and family rules about underage drinking. Explain the consequences of breaking these rules and be consistent. Let your child know that drinking alcohol is a breach of your trust and that it will take time to earn it back. Emphasize that drinking is not a way to cope with problems or stress. Instead, encourage them to talk to a trusted adult or a parent if they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Keep the lines of communication open and create a safe space for your children to ask questions or share concerns. Be a good role model by drinking responsibly, not using alcohol as a stress reliever, and never driving after drinking.
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Establish rules and consequences
Establishing rules and consequences is a crucial aspect of preventing kids from sneaking alcohol into your house. Here are some detailed suggestions to achieve this:
Rules
- Set clear expectations: Ensure your child comprehends the family rules regarding underage drinking and the implications of breaking them. Make it known that there is a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking in your household.
- Be a role model: Children learn by observing their parents. If you choose to consume alcohol, do so responsibly. This includes not driving after drinking and avoiding drinking as a coping mechanism for problems or stress.
- Securely store alcohol: Keep alcohol in a locked cabinet or invest in a liquor cabinet or safe. Store it in a high cabinet or a location that is not easily accessible to children.
- Monitor alcohol levels: Keep track of the alcohol in your house. Don't leave out more beer or wine than you'll drink, and pay attention to the levels in each bottle.
- Stay vigilant: Be aware of your child's activities, especially during gatherings where alcohol is present. Watch for changes in behaviour, such as a sudden decline in grades or erratic mood swings, which could indicate experimentation with alcohol.
Consequences
- Open and honest communication: When addressing teenage drinking, speak openly, honestly, and from a place of love. It is essential to listen to their motivations for drinking and acknowledge the challenges they face.
- Rebuilding trust: Emphasize that drinking breaches your trust and that it will take time to earn it back.
- Educate on risks: Have your teen research the risks of underage drinking and present their findings to the family. This can be a learning opportunity for everyone.
- Institute punishments: Common punishments include taking away privileges such as cell phones, computers, or video games. However, it is important to tailor the punishment to what you know your child will respond to.
- Random searches: Implement random searches of your teen's possessions and personal space for a period to re-establish trust.
Remember, the goal is not to alienate your teen but to guide them toward making better choices and fostering good communication.
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Be a role model
It is important to be mindful of the potential dangers of alcohol for younger children and teens. Children learn a lot from watching their parents, so it is important to be a good role model. If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly and make sure your children understand that their brains are still developing until the age of 25 and that alcohol can negatively impact that important developmental period.
Be aware that teens will do whatever it takes to sneak alcohol into the house, including hiding it in bushes, shampoo bottles, or water bottles. They may also carry it around in sports drink bottles, or use hidden flasks that look like other objects, such as binoculars or sunscreen bottles. To prevent this, you can lock up your alcohol or store it in a high cabinet out of sight. You can also buy alcohol-free mouthwash and be mindful of any shampoo bottles you don't remember buying.
It is also important to establish clear expectations and family rules around underage drinking, as well as the consequences for breaking them. Be consistent and don't bend the rules to allow your child to have alcohol with you, as this may give them the wrong idea. Talk to your children openly and honestly about the dangers of underage drinking and let them know that you are there to support them.
If you do find your teen has been drinking, it is important to remain calm and have a conversation about it. Find out why they were drinking and listen to their motivations. This is also a good time to review your expectations and the punishments for underage drinking in your household. Emphasize that alcohol is not a way to cope with problems or stress.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to prevent your kids from sneaking alcohol into the house. Firstly, you can keep alcohol stored in a secure location, such as a locked cabinet or safe. You should also monitor your alcohol levels and be aware of how much you have and how much is being consumed. Additionally, you can establish clear rules and expectations around underage drinking and explain the consequences of breaking these rules.
Kids and teens have been known to hide alcohol in various containers, such as water bottles, soda cans, mouthwash, shampoo bottles, and other toiletries bottles. They may also use flasks that are designed to look like other objects, such as binoculars or sunscreen bottles.
It is important to remain calm and have an open and honest conversation with your child. Try to understand their motivations for drinking and explain the dangers and consequences of underage drinking. You can also implement punishments, such as taking away privileges, but it is crucial to maintain open lines of communication and continue to build trust.
