I’m all about trying to make an impact on my 5 children. As my kids are getting older and older (and getting taller and taller), making an impact on them needs is something that’s getting more and more important. My kids are now 5, 10, 12, 13 and 14 years old. My 4 oldest are my boys and I’m really in the midst of teenage-hood right now. I’m in trenches of it and it’s right at this time where the decisions that they make can make lasting effects. I want them to make smart and good decisions, so making an impact on them NOW is a very big deal for me.
Make An Impact
I’ve been very lucky to have created a strong partnership a few years ago with the incredible Ask, Listen Learn program that was created by responsibility.org. I’m honored to be an ambassador because they create content and provide resources for parents of tweens and teens as a way to help start conversations about why a healthy lifestyle is important. What I love about it is that they really focus on the fact that for kids, a healthy lifestyle doesn’t include drinking underage. With so many pressures put upon tweens and teens nowadays with social media and friends and everything else in between, it’s still vital to keep this discussion and conversation going with our kids. It’s not an easy conversation to always have with your kids which is why making an impact on them NOW is so extra important and honestly, the conversation is probably not as hard as you think.
I want my 5 kids, specifically my older sons to be prepared for this topic when and if it does arise. I’ve already heard and seen too much as a parent already, so I know that at some point this topic will come up for them. I don’t want them to feel pressured to do anything, so I feel if I start the discussion now, they will be better prepared for it when (and if) it comes. There’s so much that our kids need to deal with on their own as they get older and I really want them to be armed with what to say and how to deal with any uncomfortable situations or experiences. The dangers of underage drinking is something that I’ve been discussing with them for the last year. I really want them to know that it’s not a heathy choice or a good decision to make. Start with your kids now, start by making an impact to help them for the future today.
You can make an impact by making small gestures that will in turn make a big impact now and later. It truly is remarkable, but “it’s the little things that mean the most.” When I need to have important conversations with my kids, I usually get them in the car. The car is and has always been my safe zone. I know they’re listening. I know they’re tuned in. I know they’re giving me their attention. I take their phones off of them in the car when we’re heading somewhere. It’s the ONLY time I get with them without the “outside noise” of technology. There’s nobody calling them on their phones. There’s nobody texting them. There’s nobody trying to get on Fortnite. It’s just me and my guys and I love it like this, reminds me of when I was a kid driving with me own mom and dad.
Honestly? This is the ONLY way I’ve been able to get the ball rolling on tough topics and conversations. I’m able to talk with my sons. I’m able to listen to my sons. I’m able to ask questions and get answers. There’s something calming about a car ride. Your guard is down. Your kids are just your buddies, driving along. You have this true safe zone where you can open ups topic and just let it ride out in the car. These “small” conversations become the BIGGEST ones. It’s amazing how much ground you can cover in a 5 mile car ride. It’s these little moments that make an impact. It’s taking the time to talk and be present with your kids without the outside noise of life distracting YOU, too.
Did you know that parents are the #1 influence on their kids’ decision to drink-or not drink-alcohol? This is VITAL for us to keep in mind and remember. Make an impact on your child. Do something meaningful where you can “get away” and have some good discussions. Talk about kids that they might know who are drinking and explain why it’s not a good idea. Share with them the importance of having a solid group of friends. Let them know you’re always there for anything, anything at all.
Make sure you take the time to check out and rely on the Ask, Listen, Learn site as a resource to help empower yourself with advice and tips on how to handle the questions that will come your way. Ask, Listen, Learn has resources for parents to talk with their kids about why drinking underage can have long-term and short-term consequences on a developing brain and body. They even make it easier with fun videos and games that may make breaking the ice a little easier. You can make an impact in so many ways, just find the one that best works for you.
Middle school is the time to start and keep these conversations going. As a mom with 3 sons in middle school right now – 8th, 7th and 6th grades – I know more than ever that NOW is the time. Grab them now. Do what you can. Talk whenever you are able to. Be there. This is the age when kids start to understand and ask more and more questions. As parents we need to make sure we are having these ongoing conversations with our kids about being confident decision makers, about keeping good friends that really encourage positive decisions such as saying YES to a healthy lifestyle and NO to underage drinking.
GO make an impact! We’re all in this together!
Read my other post on why back to school time is a great time to start these conversations, too.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with Ask, Listen, Learn, part of Responsibility.org. All opinions are 100% my own.
This is a very important post! I have 2 teen sons (14 & 16) and recently we have had a lot of conversations about subjects like these.
I agree. Parent’s are so very influential in how their children behave because they imitate what they see. But when parents treat their kids like “don’t speak unless spoken to” (like my mom was raised), then the only people they can get advice and influence from is their friends which isn’t a good thing. I’m hope that parents will educate their children about important subjects like drinking because it would help prevent so many problems. Thanks for sharing!
I’m thankful that both of our kids are very open with me but also shocked how young kids are doing things they shouldn’t be doing. An 8th grade girl we know was vaping already… uggg. Keep those open conversations going!
Super awesome post, very nice!!
important info
This is such a great post! You have a beautiful family.
I also hope to make an impact when I have kids. I’d like to be a good role model for them. :0)
I agree with your parents should start an open conversation with their kids sooner. This helps in nurturing them into good individuals in the future. 🙂
I love so much about this post. The conversation, the fact your daughter has four older brothers (my dream!) and that you are so involved as a parent. Love all of it.
I love this post. I have a 13 year old and have 3 that are in their upper 20’s. Staying involved and having conversations (even about the tough stuff) makes all the difference in the world.
Thank you for sharing. Love the way you put everything and completely agree. I am going to pass this along to my assistant. I think she would enjoy it. Great job Momma, your family is beautiful.
Open communication is absolutely key for children. You are an excellent role model for your children.
Great message and you’re right, parents have a large influence on drinking. My mom was always so open with us that we never felt a desire to bow down to peer pressure. Till today I have no interest in alcohol or smoking. Kudos to you!
I love that there’s a resource out there like this. Some parents struggle with their kids and there’s no need for it.
I had no idea this type of thing existed. I am so glad it does though! How handy!
Loved this post. Thanks for sharing this info!
Both of my children when they were in High School belonged to SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) and I know that impacted how they acted.
I am looking forward to summer so much. I really need to buy some summer clothes, though. I don’t have any short. Thank you!
This sounds like a great campaign with a great message behind it. I think this is something really important to talk to our kids about.
Parents are very important in their children’s lives, even during the teen years . The main thing is to keep the communication going, and open and honest. My 17 yr old daughter and I talk about lots of things, and thankfully she has been doing great and I am glad that I have made an impact in her life by being a positive role model.
This is an awesome post! Parent’s need to always lead by example. Keep a dialogue going with your kids
That’s how my mom and dad were, too!
Love this thanks for sharing this!!! Definitely will take some pointers!
I love this, so important!! Thank you!!
Yes, I hope to make an impact as well. Great reminder all around.