It's not easy for a preteen or teenager to say "No" when friends urge him/her to join in and drink. Sometimes parents have to help by putting the words into their youngsters' mouths. The next time you talk to your son or daughter about drinking being illegal and inappropriate for their age, put a little humor into the conversation. Share with your child these "Ten Ways to Say No to Peers Who Offer Beer or Other Alcohol Beverages.
"No thanks. I don't want to take the chance. My Mom has a nose like an elephant and she can smell alcohol on me a mile away."
"No thanks. I'm driving after I leave here."
"I'm trying out for the team and if the coach finds out I'm a goner."
"You're really cool to share, but, no thanks."
"No thanks; I've tried it and all it does for me is put me to sleep."
"Me chicken? Do you see any feathers on me?"
"Not now. I'm already in enough trouble with my parents."
"No thanks...there must be a good reason why they say you have to be older to drink so I think I'll just wait."
"Right now, I'm totally hungry not thirsty, so I think I'll just grab some munchies."
"No thanks, maybe later. Right now a soda would taste really great."
Maybe after sharing your "NO-HOW" your pre-teen or teenager might want to add some of his/her own to the list.
