Hi Parents!
Have you ever wondered if letting your teen have a drink at home might teach them to be more responsible with alcohol? It’s a question many parents ask themselves - especially when they’re trying to balance trust, safety, and the reality that teens are exposed to alcohol earlier than ever.
In today’s episode, I’m diving into one of the most common (and complicated) parenting dilemmas: should I let my teen drink underage, especially if it’s under my supervision? I’ll walk you through the latest research, debunk some of the myths about “safe drinking environments,” and give you a deeper understanding of how alcohol impacts your teen’s developing brain and emotional well-being.
We’ll also explore the connection between underage drinking and anxiety, and why some teens use alcohol to manage their emotions or mask inner struggles. If you’ve ever worried that your teen might be using substances to cope - or you’re just not sure how to even start this conversation - this episode is for you.
I’ll share practical, real-world strategies for how to approach the topic of alcohol with your teen in a way that builds trust, encourages healthy decision-making, and opens the door to honest communication. We’ll also talk about the long-term risks of early alcohol use, why supervised drinking isn’t always protective, and how to model boundaries that still allow for connection.
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer sense of how alcohol affects the anxious teen brain, why setting limits matters more than you think, and how to guide your teen with confidence - without creating fear or disconnect.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
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