As stressful as the holiday season may be, I do admit to enjoying most festive rituals and traditions.  Mine include family, food, baked goods and red wine! Ahh…there is nothing like cooking a turkey and enjoying a nice glass of red wine. I’m looking forward to it already!

It’s during this relaxed time that I jump on the chance to talk with my 11 and 13 year old about drinking alcohol. They see me and my wine, so I want to be clear about why I dont want them drinking until they are adults. Even though I’m drinking responsibly, I don’t want them drinking at ALL!

I want my kids to be well-informed and know the risks of drinking alcohol long before they are tempted or feel peer pressure. I want to help delay experimentation with alcohol for as long as possible.

To make sure my kids clearly understand the effects of alcohol on a developing brain, I talk about how the brain is still growing and changing until around the age of 24 and that alcohol can permanently damage this development. And as my kids get older, I’ll include more information on the effects that alcohol has on judgement and abilities. But for now, my focus is on the effect that it can have on a developing brain.

Parents play a large role in shaping their kids’ attitudes towards alcohol. So even though I’ll be enjoying my wine, I’ll also be clear about why it’s okay for me to drink and why I don’t want them to.

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For parenting information or to speak with a Public Health Nurse (every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) simply dial 311 or 905-825-6000.