Conversations about alcohol should start early, continue often and naturally, and help kids develop the tools they need to say “NO” to underage drinking and underage cannabis use. Communicating the importance of safety and the dangers of underage drinking and underage cannabis use while sharing expectations and values are key to empowering kids to make good decisions.

Parents are the #1 influence on their kids’ decisions to drink–or not to drink–alcohol, and data shows that parent-tween conversations matter. But there’s no need to dumb it down – your kids are smart so stick to the facts! In this continuation of our Tween Talks series, we discuss what you and your kids need to know to have meaningful conversations about the dangers of underage drinking.