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	For Parents- You make the difference!! According to the 2005 Roper Youth Report, a nationally representative survey, 76 % of college bound teens (age 13-17) said their parents were the primary influence in their decisions about whether or not they drink alcohol. Whether your son or daughter is on their way to a new grade level in high school or packing up to head off to college for the first time communication is vital at these stages in their life. There will be new experiences for both the parents and student. The twists and turns of this phase in life and in your relationship will demand that you connect, interact, and communicate with your student. They need your love and support throughout the process of moving on to another grade level or moving out of the house and learning how to make good, wise life decisions. There are many young people who feel like their foot is already out the door, but parents STILL MATTER and have a huge, lasting impact on their child’s life. YOU’RE INFLUENCE, CONCERN, AND ADVICE MAKES A LASTING IMPRESSION AND CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. Think about it, if you knew your son or daughter was carrying a loaded gun around with them, you would do whatever you could to stop them. It is the same thing with alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. DO SOMETHING NOW! Importance of Prevention Messages: • Don’t ever underestimate the impact you can have on your student about drinking, drugs, and tobacco. • Set Expectations — think through your own expectations about your teen's behavior in college. Be clear about your stance on alcohol and other drugs, including any consequences you will impose if your rules are broken. Try to avoid posing restrictions like putting off paying their tuition. • Discuss some of the misperceptions your teen may have about college drinking — Make sure your child knows that MOST college students DON'T drink and that there are plenty of other ways to get involved on campus without copious amount of alcohol. • Be open for discussion, but don't discuss your past. While it may be tempting to discuss your own history of alcohol and drug use during college, it is not advisable. • Don’t Lecture. Get to the point and be creative. • Seize the moment. Take advantages of situations where you can start a conversation that is non-threatening. Concernity Says: TALK to your Kids Now !