MADD campaign "Power of Parents"

MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving has started a campaign called “Power of Parents” that targets teens about alcohol abuse and driving.  It encourages parents and family members to discuss underage drinking with their children.  MADD offers print materials, along with opportunities for training parent leaders who want to lead efforts in their school communities on underage drinking.

MADD has a powerful web resource, madd.org/powerofparents, where parents can find research-proven strategies for preventing underage drinking at home and in their community.  Site highlights include: “Ask the Expert” – a place for parents to ask questions and get answers from various experts in underage drinking prevention; tips for parents and adults to create a safer environment at home and in the community; and a comprehensive parent handbook to help parents communicate with teens about alcohol and its consequences.  MADD also has an excellent program aimed at teens called “Power of You(th)”.  There is a video contest starting in April that teens can enter to influence their peers to refrain from underage drinking. 
Some of the ways that your school can get involved are to partner with MADD in your community are listed at www.madd.org/powertalk21 for a toolkit with flyers, information about workshops, facilitator trainings, and to find your closest MADD office. 
 
Here are some great ideas that MADD offers to start a conversation with your teen about alcohol and underage alcohol abuse.

CONNECT
•        “Let’s eat dinner together tonight.”
•        “What’s bothering you?  Did something happen at school today?”
EDUCATE
•        “Alcohol is especially dangerous for young people, and here’s why…”
•        “I love you and want you to be safe, so you need to wait until you’re 21 to drink.”
BE A ROLE MODEL
•        “No thanks.  I’ll just have tea, I’m driving.”
ENCOURAGE
•        “I see you put a lot of effort into this!”
•        “I appreciate that you brought the car home early tonight.”
MONITOR
•        “What are your plans for Saturday night”
•        “Who will you be with?”
•        “How can I reach your friend’s parents?”
ENFORCE
•        “By missing curfew, you won’t have car privileges this week.”
 
MADD has developed their programs on research proven information that shows that the number one influence on teens and their choices is parents and other adults that spend time with them.  Taking the time to talk about these issues, listening to your teen, and being a model for responsible behavior can make a huge difference in the choices that your teen makes.  By bringing this information to your council or unit, you may encourage other parents to spend time with their teenagers.  Please consider how your PTA can use these valuable resources from MADD to keep Missouri kids safe.