Keeping our Teens Drug and Alcohol Free

Celebrating Safely this Holiday Season

60 Second Conversation Starter

Mother and three kids spending time on ice-skating rink. Nikon D850

The holidays are a time of celebration and an opportunity to remind your child about making safe, healthy choices.

December has a higher incidence of impaired drivers on the road than other times of the year. Talk to your child about the dangers of impaired driving and set (or reset) expectations for their behaviors:

  • Don’t wait for the “RIGHT” time — Talk early, often and have short conversations more frequently. Driving in the car or enjoying an activity or meal together are good opportunities.
  • Reinforce expectations — Let them know it’s never ok to drive under the influence or get into a car with a driver who is impaired.
  • Help to build an exit plan — Remind them it’s ok to say no to a ride and help them think through alternative ways to get home safely.
  • Show your child you care — When your child knows you’re on their side, they’re more likely to listen.

Talk. They Hear You. has more information on how to handle challenging conversations with your child.

Local parents and students in Delta teamed up to create an online Party Tool Kit for Parents to help teens feel safer–and be safer–at social gatherings. It’s a one-stop resource that includes teen-approved activities, suggestions for party hosts, and information on local laws.

It’s not one 60-minute conversation.
It’s 60 one-minute conversations.