The problem with teenagers is their parents.
Very recently at school we read an article by Herald Sun writer Robyn Riley called How Did It Come to This' (Thursday June 19 2003). The article focuses on Robyn's opinion that teenagers are becoming out of control and that it looks like there's no stopping it. Robyn clearly describes the problems and even suggests a couple of remedies.
However, she has missed a very vital point; she does not shoulder enough responsibility or blame onto the parents behalf. I believe the key solution to fixing the matter of teenage binge drinking, drug usage, attitude problems start with their parents. If parents were not so laid back and easy going during the evolution of their child's life perhaps it would be a different story. Teenagers would fear their parents consequences if they knew they had done something bad. If a child/adolescent has enough respect for their parents they would honor them by behaving appropriately and not going out and getting drunk behind their backs. In contrast parents might even find it a better way to let them drink when they are with them. No, not on a regular basis of course, but on the occasional night out with the family. Sure, this idea may seem crazy and nave but I can also see it working as well.
In my case, I know the trouble I would get into if I was drinking behind my parents back, not that my parents have ever talked to me about it, I understand my father's morals and know that if I ever did drink behind his back while I was under 18 there would be hell to pay. When we are out on a family gathering or at a wedding or function of some sort my dad will tell me to have a drink with him, just so I can feel the taste and know how many to drink when I am older and out with friends. He says I should try everything now when I am around family, because even if I have too much he knows I am safe around him. I can see a lot of sense in this technique as it has worked for me.
