Ways to Prevent Underage Drinking: Get Your Teenager Involved in Activities

When a teenager has too much idle time on their hands, they are more likely to get into trouble of all kinds. Studies show that when a teenager is excited about an activity they're less likely to give their parents trouble. Get your child involved in adult supervised activities either through the school or through a community youth program.

For some parents, too much activity is hard to manage. Unless there is a late bus that can bring your child home from school or another parent who can help carpool, it is sometimes hard to navigate the different times your child will need to be at an activity.

If you are unable to participate in dropping off your child and picking them up, talk to other parents who are available during those times. See if you can find a parent who could help you out during the week when you are at work. If so, you could offer to swap off travel time for when you're available on the weekends, freeing up the other parent.

This is not to say that every moment of your teenager's day should be completely filled with activities. Teenagers need to learn to manage their time well and entertain themselves without resorting to activities that are harmful such as drinking alcohol, and taking drugs.