Parents Have More Power Than They Think

From a newsletter put out by LEAD (Linking Efforts Against Drugs) a parent group fighting drug use and underage drinking in the local communities of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff.

Parents Have More Power Than They Think!

Many parents have told us that they think they don't have much power to influence teen behavior, especially regarding underage drinking. There is some information you might want to know....you have more power than you think!

1. The recent survey among local teens indicates that those whose parents had firm rules about drinking and drug use were 50% less likely to engage in this behavior. Setting boundaries and clearly communicating them does make a difference!

2. National youth surveys also indentified that the #1 reason teens don't drink is that they don't want to disappoint their parents. It helps to make it clear that you will be disappointed in them if they drink or smoke marijuana.

3) Driving is one of a teen's most precious privileges. Did you know that you can revoke that priviledge for drivers under age 18? If you have concerns about your teen's ability to handle the responsibility of driving, or you need to make a strong statement about consequences of some poor decision making, contact the Secretary of State's office more details. You can also view your child's driving record (is there a ticket you don't know about?) on line up until they are 18 years of age. Go to www.cyberdriveillinois.com for more information.