Stereotypes Can Fuel Teen Misbehavior

Interesting article from Reuters about the impact of peer pressure and parental expectations on teen behavior. The research cited is published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence. Th econlcusion is that you often get what you expect from your teenage children.

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS168645+16-Oct-2009+PRN20091016

Some interesting points from the researcher article that seem to really align with what AFA believes:

"* Parents' own behavior is a powerful example. Do not suggest in your words or behavior that the only or best way to have fun is through drinking, sex or drug use.
* Let your teenager know that many adolescents resist drinking, smoking or early sexual activity.
* Draw attention to examples of teenagers who are doing positive things. Convey confidence that your child can do the same, and will not be alone in doing so.
* Communicate and support avenues for having fun without negative risk-taking. Teenagers who get into trouble are often simply seeking ways to relieve stress or have fun. Parents who understand this need can offer ideas and opportunities that are healthy and legal.
* Make your own home a fun and comfortable place for your teenager and his/her friends to socialize. Do not allow negative risk-taking such as drinking to occur in your own home under your supervision.
* Encourage and support involvement in positive extracurricular activities, such as community service, sports, music, theater, faith-based youth groups or other activities.
* Pay attention to your teenager's peer choices. Positive peer pressure exists! Encourage and support affiliation with other teens who are involved in positive activities and not getting into trouble. Get to know other parents, and encourage affiliations with families who share your values.
* Make sure your teenager knows that there will be negative consequences if he or she engages in negative risk-taking, and follow through if such risk-taking occurs. Lack of consequences implicitly communicates that parents accept such behaviors."

Alcohol is addictive!!

You ever wonder why there is a group called Alcoholics Anonymous and other alcohol treatment programs? Well, here is the shocker, ALCOHOL IS ADDICTIVE!! Yes, hard to believe it when you look at how most of America looks at alcohol but alcohol is something that has the potential to get hold of you just like other mind altering drugs. The acceptance of recreational alcohol use by Americans tends to give cover to the addictive nature of adult beverages. In fact, this cover works so well that many people who are textbook examples of an alcholic can continue to fool themselves and others that they do not have a problem. This is a truly dangerous situation and consistently ruins many many lives. Why would you bother with such a drug?

No, alcohol does not actually taste good.

Contrary to what some people tell me when I ask them why they drink alcohol, Alcoholic drinks do NOT taste good. Some taste better than others but I will never accept the concept that they actually taste good. If you like fruity drinks it is because of the fruit, not the alcohol. If you like dark beer it is an acquired taste as you probably tried to find a beer you liked to fit in. Here is my favorite test. Does it taste better than a milkshake? If the answer is "no" then why do you bother.

Alcohol is a drug.

According to all credible sources, the Alcohol in "adult beverages' is Ethyl Alcohol or Ethanol. Yes, that is the same stuff they use for fuel. Of course, you cannot drink gasoline. So most of what you can legally buy is 40 percent ethanol with some REALLY strong stuff being 75-9o according to "How Stuff Works". Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and one of the most abused DRUGS in America. ALCOHOL IS A DRUG and should be treated as such. Its impact is a direct and destructuve result of impairing the central nervous system. Why would anybody want to deal with that? I know I choose not to.