Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Parents Empowered urges parents to bond with kids to prevent underage drinking.
- Teaming with Lagoon Amusement Park, they promote activities to replace summer boredom.
- Early conversations about safety and decisions can reduce risky behaviors in teens.
SALT LAKE CITY — Summertime can be a risky time for teens as they have little supervision, leading to bad choices, like experimenting with alcohol.
Parents Empowered, a Utah group dedicated to helping children reach the age of 21 alcohol-free, said parents have a significant effect on their child's choices about drinking.
The group said the key is for parents to develop a more meaningful connection with their kids.
One way to do that is to find fun activities to engage and build that connection, so Parents Empowered teamed up with Lagoon Amusement Park to help provide some of those activities since school is out for summer.
"A lot of unstructured time can come with that, which can create boredom," said Tonya Schilling, Davis County prevention coordinator.
Bonding at Lagoon is a tradition for many Utah families. That's why for the first time ever, Parents Empowered is teaming up with Lagoon.
Signs and artwork will be posted throughout the park, educating kids about the risks of underage drinking and the importance of protecting developing brains.
Schilling said it's the perfect time for parents to replace boredom with bonding.
"Families are already coming to Lagoon to make memories," said Julie Freed, Lagoon's director of special events. "So, it's the perfect time to talk to your kids about being safe, about making good decisions."
Starting these conversations as early as age 9 can strengthen the bond between parents and their child.
"You wanna know where they are, who they're with, what they're doing to be able to have that open communication and relationship," Schilling said.
Studies show that when a kid feels bonded to their parents, they are less likely to engage in risky behaviors like underage alcohol use.
"Taking the time to be intentional. 'I see you, I love you, you're worth my time and attention,'" Schilling said.
She encourages parents to really get to know their child. Connect with them at the dinner table, in the car, or while playing their favorite sport. Use one-on-one time to learn more about their friends, too.
Other alcohol-free ideas are movie and game nights or volunteering together as a family. For more suggestions, visit the Parents Empowered website.
