Talking Tips: School-age kids

Once they’re in school, children start learning about alcohol from other kids. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of what they’re watching or hearing. Talk about alcohol-related things you see together on TV, in movies or in real life, and be sure they’re getting factual information.

Children this age often enjoy learning about how the body works. This is a good time to talk about how alcohol can affect the body—in terms kids can understand. You can talk in general about what people need to do to be healthy, including not drinking alcohol when they’re young. You can help kids understand that alcohol can affect the brain, which can make it hard to talk properly or even to move properly. You can talk about how alcohol changes the way a person behaves and can lead to making bad choices.

Don’t be scary. Be factual, especially if you drink occasionally yourself. You don’t want your child to think you’re doing something wrong or to worry about your health. The important thing is that your kids understand that children shouldn’t drink and that adults who do drink should do so responsibly.