ParentTeen Matters

FEBRUARY 2011

Parents: We know you care, so what's next?

We hope that you'll visit ParentTeenMatters.org to find answers

multi racial family teen son

to commonly asked questions, check out the latest research on teen behaviors, and follow the action steps provided to guide your teen to positive decision-making. Funding for this new initiative was provided through a generous grant from the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. We hope that you'll visit the website often and refer other parents and caring adults to this valuable resource.

How Do I Keep My Teen Safe on the Road?

According to the SADD/Liberty Mutual Teen Driving Study, high school students overwhelmingly say their parents are or will be the biggest influence on how they drive. In fact, teens who have regular conversations with their parents about driving safety are

less likely to drink and drive;
less likely to speed; and
more likely to wear their seat belts.

Parents, it's important to remember that you are modeling the driving behaviors that your teen will inherit. Do you wear your seat belt? Talk on the cell phone? It's also important to encourage your kids to speak up when they are in the car with their friends - 8 in 10 teens say that if a friend told them their driving behavior made them feel uncomfortable, they would listen and make a change.

Registration is now open for the 2011 SADD National Conference, Passport to Adventure: Cleared for Takeoff June 26-29, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago, Illinois.

2011 Conference Logo

Please pass this along to teens who might be interested in a life-changing experience with 600 youth and advisors from around the country! For general conference information,

click here

What You Say Does Matter!

Parental disapproval is the number one reason why teens choose not to drink.

Many young people credit their parents as a major influence in choosing not to smoke or use alcohol or other drugs. It's important for you to initiate the conversation rather than wait for your son or daughter to bring it up.

We know for some parents it's hard, but we know it's worth the effort, so here are five quick tips to break the ice and get started talking.

1. Talk at a time that's convenient for both of you.

2. Express your desire to hear your teen's point of view.

3. Communicate your wish to relate to one another.

4. Listen carefully.

5. Establish your expectations for your teen and explain what the consequence will be for violating family rules.

For more action steps, visit ParentTeenMatters.org.

Be a Parent, Not a Pal!

We asked one student what her parents did to keep her safe throughout high school and this is what she said.

"My parents played the role of being a parent in my life. They were not my best friend and they did not allow me to do whatever just to be liked. My parents parented me and made sure I was making the right choices and that I was in safe situations. They would always be sure to look into places and parties before they allowed me to attend. They were always sure that I knew that if I needed them, I could call. They always told me before I left the house what they expected from me and that they trusted me. I always wanted to be trusted and therefore I followed their rules. When I broke them I faced the consequences."

Research shows that teens who have open and honest communication with their parents are more likely to make good choices and to report that their parents' methods of preventing them from using drugs are effective.