What ARE the effects of alcohol on the developing brain, anyway?
If you have ever consumed alcohol (parents), you are aware that alcohol does have an effect.
Drinking too much, DEFINITELY has an effect. Even in smaller amounts it can affect the most responsible of adults. But what about the effects of alcohol on a developing brain?
*This is post was created in partnership with Ask. Listen. Learn. All opinion is my own.
But is alcohol’s effect different on the brains of our tweens (and teens)? What effect does it REALLY have on the developing brain?
(Trouble viewing? Click here to watch!)
Drinking alcohol can be a difficult subject to bring up with kids. It feels so serious. But it is really important we talk about this stuff with kids… with our tweens…. BEFORE they are teens.
We need to get there first.
I LOVE the video series that Ask, Listen, Learn has developed for this very reason (find it HERE). When trying to talk about a subject like consuming alcohol and it’s effects, it’s hard not only to know where to start, but it’s hard to communicate the facts in an engaging way… or at least in a way that doesn’t feel preachy. This series breaks down the subject and presents it in bite-size, interesting, and colorful pieces.
In addition to the video resources and downloadable tips, you can sign-up to receive emails with conversation tips delivered straight to your inbox!
It is so important to start the conversation early… while our kids are still impressionable.
The thing is, the topic of drinking will come up – and probably sooner than we want to believe. Will our kids’ first conversations about drinking be with us, or will that information be coming from a peer? First impressions make a difference. When we take the first step, we get to set the tone and build the foundation. Our kids will base their opinions (and future decisions) about alcohol use on something… Ask, Listen, Learn provides great tools for parents and educators for this very purpose. They are tools to help us launch those important conversations and help us give our kids the important (and serious!) information in a creative and engaging way.
Be sure to visit asklistenlearn.org to learn more about these great resources and sign-up to get conversation tips right in your inbox!
