More Tips

Talking About Alcohol

  • Avoid contradictions between your words and your actions
  • Be prepared to establish an ongoing conversation, not a one-time speech
  • Evaluate and be willing to articulate your own feelings about alcohol and other drug use
  • Speak with other parents of college students who have learned by experience
  • Look at the Stepping Up Project's entire web site to be informed of the many different aspects of the "alcohol issue"
  • Express concern, don't be confrontational
  • Read up on best approaches on http://www.familytalkonline.com
  • Educate your student about policies and health issues

How to begin the conversations

  • Be prepared to initiate the discussion
  • Exchange information face-to face rather than over the telephone
  • Look for and create "teachable moments," such as television news or newspaper stories that deal with substance use
  • Sit down with your student and take the quiz on the internet offered by Minnesota located at http://www.ysb.net/alc_quiz.htm
  • Don't try to talk while he or she is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Wait until the next day
  • Make sure you are calm and open. You do not need to exaggerate, because the facts speak for themselves
  • Listen actively and try to understand your student's point of view
  • Allow your son or daughter to express fears and concerns without interruption or "preaching"
  • Role-play or use anecdotal scenarios. Identify potential situations your student may encounter in college