Talking with Your Student About Alcohol

For many parents, bringing up the subject of alcohol is no easy matter. Your student may try to dodge the discussion, and you yourself may feel unsure about how to proceed. The Office of Student Judicial Affairs feels that this is a much needed conversation. Think of this talk with your student as the first part of an ongoing conversation. You don't need to cover everything at once. In fact, you're likely to have a greater impact on your student's decisions about drinking by having a number of talks about alcohol use.

Tips to make the most of your conversation:
Take some time to think about the issues you want to discuss before you talk with your student.
Choose a time to talk when both you and your student have some "down time" and are feeling relaxed.
Ask your student what he or she knows about alcohol and what he or she thinks about drinking.
Listen carefully without interrupting. Not only will this approach help your student to feel heard and respected, but it can serve as a natural "lead-in" to discussing alcohol topics.
Remember, do make it a conversation, not a lecture!

For more information please go to www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov or contact us at:

Office of Student Judicial Affairs
107 Burke Hall West
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
P.O. Box 870295
(205)348-8234
www.ja.ua.edu