At a school recently I met with a class of 9th graders who heard my lecture about postponing using alcohol. When we got into small discussions, some of these kids, both boys and girls, were shocked when they realized that I was suggesting that they postpone using alcohol throughout high school. They seemed stunned to believe that this was a realistic consideration, and, quite frankly, felt that I was completely out of touch for suggesting it. Apparently they thought I meant only 9th and possibly 10th grade.
Part of the reason these kids were surprised is that their own parents are telling them that since they know that all teens drink, they want their kids to do it responsibly. That is if their parents are talking about this at all.
Our own kids may have some of these same misconceptions. If we don't talk to them regularly, they likely think that what we said last year, we meant for last year. This is why it is important to keep the dialogue open and frequent. A year ago was a different age for teens. There is a big difference between 15 and 16 to them, and to us.
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