The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence fights the stigma and the disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY CHILD ABOUT DRINKING?

Children see drinking all around them - at home, in restaurants, at family celebrations and on television - and they are naturally curious about alcohol and the way it affects people. You should always answer your child's questions honestly, but you also should be prepared to initiate discussions about alcohol.

Some parents say that because alcohol is a legal drug, it's hard for them to think of it as being dangerous. Other parents say they find it difficult to talk about alcohol because they drink. Yet, alcohol is the drug most often used by young people and the consequences of its use can be harmful to your child in many ways.

It's never too early to start talking with your child about drinking. Some children start asking questions when they're four or five years old. Many parents make the mistake of waiting until their child has begun drinking - but if you listen and respond to your child sensitively, you may be able to help prevent problems from developing later.

NCADD has developed, "What Should I Tell My Child About Drinking?," which includes a video and brochure for parents (a facilitator's guide also is available for use in group settings).

Hosted by Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep, "What Should I Tell My Child About Drinking?" offers viewers advice both about good parenting and how to discuss alcohol. Actors performing in a series of believable family situations make this valuable information easily accessible to parents who need an introduction to an often difficult subject.

The 45-minute video is divided into two parts. Part A looks at the need for parents and other caregivers to take responsibility for discussing alcohol with children, which includes examining their own drinking habits and developing specific rules and consequences for violation of those rules. Part B uses "teachable moments" to instruct parents about how they can initiate alcohol-related conversations with their children when they are likely to hear key messages.

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National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.

244 East 58th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10022 phone: 212/269-7797   fax: 212/269-7510 email: national@ncadd.org   http://www.ncadd.org HOPE LINE: 800/NCA-CALL (24-hour Affiliate referral)