Delaying That First Drink: A Parent’s Guide

by Lisa Frederiksen

I want to draw your attention to an important resource for parents or anyone in a position to influence a child’s decision to drink. It’s a PDF book, “ Delaying That First Drink: A Parent’s Guide ,” written by Aimee L. Stern and published by the  American Association for the Advancement of Science . Ms. Stern covers a great deal, including the new brain research – especially as it relates to brain development;  the science about alcohol and how it affects the brain and body; and suggestions for talking to young people, including how to use this science in your conversations.

To give you an idea of what you will find, here is an excerpt about the brain changes that occur in the adolescent brain:

While researchers once chalked up emotional and behavioral changes

to the unknown world of raising a teenager, they now know much

of what was considered teen angst comes from hormones and brain

changes. The adolescent brain is different than that of an adult. Its

prefrontal cortex – right behind the forehead and the part that

processes memory, complex thinking, planning, and inhibition – is

not yet fully developed and has difficulty processing all the development

taking place.

Compare the neurons inside the teen brain to the inside of a kaleidoscope.

Masses of neurons are moving and shifting patterns, changing

their connections, and causing mood swings and confusion.

Welcome to forgetful, disorganized, self-absorbed, upset, frustrated,

yelling, and much more. That’s on a good day. (p. 4)

There is a great deal more, so download a copy - it’s free.