Shots, Shots, Shots: Beware of Binge Drinking

As a parent, you may worry about your kids and their exposure to alcohol.

But, you can't watch everything they do.

Have an honest conversation with your child before he may go out drinking. Be open and discuss the effects of alcohol on the body. Talk about alcohol poisoning and death. Bringing up the topic doesn't mean your child will go out and get drunk.

Give your child advice for navigating parties. No one can see what's in that red cup, so it doesn't have to be refilled with booze all night. Encourage your child to nurse a beverage to prevent alcohol poisoning. Share your own past hangover experiences so they know the risks.

Also, consider this: what example are you setting with your alcohol habits? Don't think you can get wasted over dinner and still tell your child drinking is bad.

Have multiple conversations about it. Make it safe for your child to call you when partying if needed. Be sure your child knows you will pick him up so he doesn't drive drunk or ride with a drunken friend. Allow your child to talk to you about drinking, and don't reprimand when your kid needs you. Discuss what happened the following morning; these are teachable moments.

Listen in as Dr. Lisa Lowery shares how to talk to your kids about binge drinking.