The Power of Mothers: MADD
I have 3 boys, none of which are teenagers yet. However, I know plenty of parents out there with teenagers who have concerns about underage drinking. Underage drinking can affect me and my family as well, especially if an underage drinker who is driving crashes into us. There have been too many incidents of teenagers at parties, where alcohol is served. These teens shouldn’t be drinking alcohol, but are. Then it gets worse when they “think” they are safe to drive. Only a second’s delay on the road can change both their lives and others around them. How many times have you heard on the news that a family of 4 or a car filled with teenagers were killed by a drunk driver who was underage. Sometimes the drunk driver survives and has to live with that terrible decision for the rest of his or her life!!
Did you know that underage drinking has emerged as the number one youth drug problem? By being an informed parent and intervening with your teen, you can have a strong impact on his or her decisions regarding alcohol. 74% of kids will turn to their parents for guidance on drinking – wow! Plus, research shows that as moms, we are the number one influencers in dealing with this issue. Remember, alcohol is an illegal drug for teens, and we as parents will have the best policy if it’s a zero tolerance policy!
As mothers, we can intervene! On October 27th, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) launched The Power of Parents: It’s Your Influence. The program is designed to help parents with key tips, information, and tools to help us at home reach our teens and communicate the real life danger of underage alcohol use.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of MADD. A donation was made to MADD in my name to thank me for taking the time to participate.
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I am a HUGE supporter of MADD and thye do tremendous work!
Thank god I never got into that whole scene-I don’t think I would have anyway if I was able to, but you never know until it ACTUALLY happens.
I think this is a great organization!
i agree with everything you said in this detailed review. In my opinion the parents that drink too even casual drinking at home or when out dining infront of there kids is an example they are setting for there kids that its ok to drink. I personally do not drink at all, my dad was an alcoholic so I do not desire it in any way shape or form but I think the parents that do should steer clear of giving them the idea that its a casual thing to do or they will see it as ok and maybe not take driving while under the influence seriously. My cousin & 5 of her class mates were killed by a drunk driver on the night of prom night and no one lived but the drunk driver. I also think the just say no programs in school is very important so it continues to teach the kids at a young age not to drink & drive. And wearing our seat belts for kids to see is a needed safe example too, most times parents buckle up the kids because the car seats or bumper seats require it but do not buckle themselves and little eyes see all we do and will follow what you do so set the example now for them.
sewitupjulie@gmail.com
Thanks for this wonderful reminder… MADD is a terrific organization that I have always supported.
My kids have always known that this has been something that was not acceptable in our home, however, if they ever made a mistake they knew that they could call me, no questions ask for a ride because they have promised NEVER to drink and drive or get into a car with someone who has been drinking.