Violence On TV ! Your Remedies.

In-depth studies have found that violent programming, including cartoons, can have a negative impact upon children. Viewing violence can:

• desensitize a child toward violent acts;
• decrease a child's sensitivity toward victims;
• increase a child's fearfulness;
• contribute to a child’s aggressive behavior;
• teach that violent acts lead to success;
• decrease imaginative and cooperative play;
• increase acceptance of gang behavior;
• undermine the development of humane social values.

So, what can parents do to protect their child?

1. Be a positive example and use good judgment concerning the selection of television programs and movies to be viewed. Consider the child’s developmental level and encourage the selection of worthwhile programs such as those on public television. Decide together which programs to watch. Record programs so that viewing may be done together and the tape may be paused for discussion. Comment when you agree with the values portrayed by the actors. Check out quality program videos at your local library.


2. Watch television with your child. Explain the difference between fact and fiction. If fighting occurs, comment that although the actors are pretending to be hurt, such violent acts in real life result in pain and suffering. Discuss ways to deal with problems other than by hurting people.


3. Turn the television and other objectionable media off when the material is contradictory to your family values. Explain to your child why you disapprove. Consider using a television lockout device to prevent exposure to “adult” programming. Provide soft music or silence during family meals that contribute to friendly conversation. Furnish a calm place where your child can relax or read.


4. Resist the temptation to put a television in your child’s room. Instead locate it where viewing can be monitored. If your family is on the internet, keep the computer in a central location.


5. Encourage your child to become involved in activities. Foster participation in hobbies, imaginative play, music, art, crafts, gardening, household tasks, yard work, cooking, and other worthwhile projects. Invite your child’s friends to play at your home or apartment. Do more reading, walking, talking, listening, and playing together. Take trips to libraries, museums, zoos, farms, fairs, and other interesting places. Involve your child in programs that promote healthy development like sports, scouts, clubs, camps, and/or religious groups.


6. Be an advocate for quality television programming. Join forces with other parents and teachers to set television viewing guidelines. Write television officials, corporate sponsors, government regulatory agencies, and congressional leaders to express your views. 

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The Importance of Family Mealtime

According to recent surveys, less than half of the families members actually sit down to a meal on a regular basis. Yet, studies report that family meals are strongly related to the development of adolescent mental health and stability. There are nutritional, as well as social, emotional and academic advantages that occur in children when families share meals together.

Why are family mealtimes important?

• A sense of belonging and mutual trust is fostered when adults and children eat together and enjoy each other's company.
• Family meals provide opportunities for adults to model table manners and nutritious food choices.
• Eating together encourages adult-child communication skills such as listening patiently to each other and expressing one's opinion in a respectful manner.
• Mealtimes provide a setting for moral and intellectual discussion where family values are shared.
• Since children thrive on routines, family meals foster a sense of security and stability.
• When children help with meals, they learn skills such as shopping, setting the table, preparing food, serving food, and cleaning up.
• Family meals can foster family traditions and enhance cultural heritages.

What can busy families do to improve their mealtime enjoyment?

1. KEEP IN MIND THAT IF YOU ARE TOO BUSY TO HAVE FAMILY MEALS, YOU MAY BE TOO BUSY. Plan ahead, think creatively, and make adjustments to fit your family's schedule. For example, you may want to change the time of day you eat together or have a picnic on a blanket before or after a ball game.
2. HAVE MEALTIMES WITHOUT TELEVISION. If your family usually watches TV during dinner, decrease the habit slowly. Begin with one or two TV-free meals a week and gradually increase the number. Limit other distractions as well.
3. KEEP FOOD SIMPLE AND VARIED. Elaborate meals are not necessary for quality family time. Serve the same favorite food on a certain day of the week or month. To save time and effort, plan for and use leftovers.
4. SERVE FAMILY MEMBERS THE SAME FOOD AT THE SAME TIME. Provide a variety of food choices and refrain from forcing children to eat certain foods. If your children are not hungry at mealtime, cut back on snacks between meals.
5. LIMIT THE TABLE DISCUSSION TO AGREEABLE OR NEUTRAL TOPICS. Focus on the positive by asking questions such as, "Tell something good that happened today." Listen attentively and make sure the speaker feels respected. Mealtime is not the place for criticism or rude behaviors.
6. INVOLVE THE CHILDREN IN PLANNING, PREPARING, AND SERVING MEALS, THUS BUILDING TEAMWORK AND COOPERATION. Listen to their meal suggestions and try to make eating together fun. Invite them to help create memorable holiday foods and decorations.
7. TRY PLAYING SOFT MUSIC, LIGHTING CANDLES OR USING FLOWERS TO CREATE A PLEASING ATMOSPHERE. For a special treat, have a family dinner in a quiet restaurant. Limit visits to fast-food establishments.
8. TEACH BY SHOWING, NOT BY TELLING. When you make pleasant family mealtimes a priority, your child or children will more likely be healthy, well-mannered and well-adjusted.

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How To Prevent Your Kid From School Burnout

Four stages of burnout : enthusiasm, stagnation, frustration and finally, apathy. Sound familiar? Once applicable chiefly to the professional world, we now recognize this cycle in other areas of life, such as parenting, relationships . . . and yes, even school.

From bright-eyed and bushy-tailed kindergartners who suddenly balk at getting on the school bus to star-student seniors who now hit the snooze button well into first period, no child is immune to burnout. Here some tips to help you squash that burnout and help motivate your child:
  
1) Stop running. It’s a proven fact that kids who are involved in outside activities tend to perform better academically. Certainly, activities are great, but when they start piling up, kids can lose more than just sleep. Children suffering burnout due to over scheduling tend to be less focused and more irritable. If “downtime” is in the car somewhere between soccer practice and piano lessons, you may want to consider whether or not it’s time to scale back your child’s agenda. Sit down with your kid and examine his commitments—does everything serve enough of a purpose that it warrants giving up free time? It may also be time to reevaluate your own expectations and how your child perceives them. Many parents are surprised to find that their children are participating in activities only because they feel such involvement is expected of them. Chances are, some activities can fall by the wayside without too much grief for both of you. 

2) Burnout or boredom? Perhaps over scheduling isn’t the problem. Does your usually attentive student seem resentful of or resigned to his schoolwork? Is your “How was school today?” greeted with shrugs and monosyllabic grunts? The issue here might not be stimulation overload, but its opposite. If an adolescent is not feeling challenged in school, he or she can experience some of the same symptoms as burnout. Especially if your child has an undemanding schedule to begin with, consider discussing the possibility of gifted, advanced placement or elective classes. On the other hand, your son or daughter may be eager to establish an identity beyond just academics after the first hundred days. Now might also be a good time to take on some extracurricular activities like sports, scouting or fine arts. Getting involved with on-campus programs helps kids feel as though they have a personal investment in the school—and this can be rejuvenating both in and out of the classroom. Keep those lines of communication open to ensure that your child’s new academic and/or extracurricular life doesn’t shift the balance from boredom into actual burnout. 

3) Stop, drop and roll. Some kids’ activity and anxiety levels make them especially prone to exhaustion. For high-stress, high-energy kids, work on daily coping strategies for burnout. When your son or daughter starts to feel overwhelmed, negative or apathetic, encourage him or her to stop, drop and roll. The same strategy that worked for fire safety can also work to help kids squelch stress. Stopping involves stepping back. Help your child take a personal inventory. Ask, “Where are you now, and what do you want to accomplish today?” “Drop” means just that—what can your son or daughter let go of? Children often struggle with prioritizing, and when all daily activities seem equally imperative to a child, this can trigger burnout. Help them to see that not everything needs to be accomplished in a day. Finally, rolling means changing direction. This can be anything from varying a daily routine to delegating a responsibility—the most important thing is that you help your kid brainstorm a new, reasonable approach to his or her aims. This type of short-term goal setting engenders long-term feelings of accomplishment and self-worth, both of which are key to avoiding burnout. 

4) When to get help. Some parents are apt to see it as laziness, and older kids’ teachers may shrug it off as run-of-the-mill teen angst, but if your child’s indifference is a continuing occurrence it may be just one symptom of a larger problem. Severe burnout can have physical, emotional and academic consequences, making it hard to distinguish from more serious issues like depression or even chronic fatigue syndrome. If you suspect something more than mid-year ennui, contact a health care professional. 

5) Slow down together. Studies also show that burned out parents are more likely to have burned out kids. If your idea of breakfast is a lukewarm coffee while shuttling kids to school and you’ve been working during dinner for months, your stress might be carrying over into your child’s life. Most experts agree that families should aim for at least a few meals together a week; in fact, just talking and laughing together can go a long way towards personal renewal. Finding the perfect ratio of work to play may not come overnight, but a little flexibility and good communication can help your whole family avoid burnout.



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The '8' L's of Parenting

LOVE your child. For your child to be successful, he or she must feel valued. Your gentle touches, smiles and hugs communicate love. Giving your undivided attention, especially at the end of each day, demonstrates caring.

LOOK for the good in your child and make specific comments on what he or she does well. You must believe in your child's worth before he or she can believe it. If you want your child to have self-confidence and motivation, watch for positive behaviors and comment on them.

LISTEN, without judgment, to your child express his or her thoughts and feelings. If you do not listen, your child may attempt to gain your attention by misbehaving.

LAUGH with your child, not at him or her. Demonstrate a sense of humor as you cope with life's difficulties. Laugh and play together.

LABOR diligently and with pride so that your child will want to work hard, persevere and do his or her best.

LEARN new information. It is fine to say, I don't know, but then add that you both can find out together. Take the time to read and thus instill a love of learning. On car trips play word games, read or listen to books on tape.

LEAVE the television and other media off. Many programs and video games desensitize your child towards violence and contribute to fearfulness and aggression. Place computers in central locations to monitor internet use.

LIVE life to its fullest. Take pleasure in little things like an ice cream cone, a beautiful day or the enthusiasm of your child. Read, pretend, dance, sing, take walks, play games, have pleasant meals, look at photos, share dreams, and enjoy each other.

Remember: Your child will most likely adopt the attitudes and habits you demonstrate daily.

Character Building Thoughts for Children

The following quotes may be used in a variety of ways by both teachers and parents. One idea is for a thought to be posted, read, and discussed at the beginning of each week or it could then be read daily. At the end of the week ask them what they learned or how the thought applied to their lives or activities during the week. Have the children give written or oral examples, or have them draw a picture to illustrate their ideas.

1. How I look is not as important as how I act.


2. I treat others the way I want them to treat me.


3. I am a good sport; I follow the rules, take turns and play fair.


4. It is okay to laugh at funny things, but not to laugh at others.


5. I do not gossip; if I cannot say anything helpful, I do not say anything at all.
   


6. When I am sad, I help myself feel better by thinking of things that are good in my life.


7. In order to have friends, I must act in a kind way.


8. I believe that I am someone who can do important things.


9. What I say and how I say it tells others the kind of person I am.


10. I appreciate my family, my teachers, and my school.


11. I treat everyone with respect.


12. When I listen, I show others that I care about them.


13. I am being a good citizen when I volunteer to help others.


14. I think for myself and make smart choices that are good for me.


15. Each day offers a new start to do my best.


16. I try to understand what my friends are feeling.


17. Everyone makes mistakes, so instead of getting angry with myself, I try to do better.


18. I do not give up; I keep trying until I can do my work.


19. Sharing with others makes me feel good and makes them feel good too.


20. I work out my problems without hurting myself or others.


21. I am being polite when I wait for my turn and say please and thank you.


22. When I smile at people, they usually smile back.


23. I encourage my friends to do their best.


24. My values guide me to do what is right.


25. I am honest; I do not cheat or steal.


26. When I am angry, I use self-control and do not hurt others.


27. I am being creative when I dance, draw, paint or write a poem or story.


28. I say, "No!" to things that could hurt my body like tobacco and alcohol.


29. When I do what I say I will do, I am being responsible.


30. I am grateful for what I have, so I share with others.


31. I try to learn something new each day.


32. When things do not go my way, I stop and think of what I can do to make them better.


33. I do not make fun of other children because I don't know what their life is like.
    


34. I feel successful when I do my best.


35. Everyone has good and bad feelings.


36. I take care of myself by eating healthy food, exercising and getting enough rest.


37. I am being punctual when I am on time and do not keep people waiting.


38. When I cooperate with others, I get more done.


39. I follow the rules and try to make my school a better place.


40. I like to get to know children who are different from me.


41. Since I tell the truth, my friends trust me.


42. I look for what is good in others and I say what I like about them.


43. I buy only what I need and I save my money.


44. When I use my time wisely, there is usually enough time to do what I want to do.


45. I think before I act; how I act affects how others treat me.


46. Using manners helps me keep my friends.


47. I have courage to stand up for children who are teased.


48. Before I do something, I ask myself, "Is it safe?"


49. I am me -- I do not try to be like someone else.


50. I care about living things on earth so I recycle and do not litter.


51. When I write down what I think and feel, I learn about myself.


52. I plan ahead and think about what I want to do when I grow up.

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How To Encourage Your Child To Read

The following are some ways to turn a young reader's reluctance into enthusiasm:

1.  Scout for things your children might like to read.  Use their interests and hobbies as starting points.

2.  Leave all sorts of reading materials including books, magazines, and colorful catalogs in conspicuous places around your home.

3.  Notice what attracts your children's attention, even if they only look at the pictures.  Then build on that interest; read a short selection aloud, or simply bring home more information on the same subject.

4.  Let your children see you reading for pleasure in your spare time.

5.  Take your children to the library regularly.  Explore the children's section together.  Ask a librarian to suggest books and magazines your children might enjoy.

6.  Present reading as an activity with a purpose; a way to gather useful information for, say, making paper airplanes, identifying a doll or stamp in your child's collection, or planning a family trip.

7.  Encourage older children to read to their younger brothers and sisters.  Older children enjoy showing off their skills to an admiring audience.

8.  Play games that are reading-related.  Check your closet for spelling games played with letter tiles or dice, or board games that require players to read spaces, cards, and directions.

9.  Perhaps over dinner, while you're running errands, or in another informal setting, share your reactions to things you read, and encourage your children to do likewise.

10.  Set aside a regular time for reading in your family, independent of schoolwork, the 20 minutes before lights out, just after dinner, or whatever fits into your household schedule.  As little as 10 minutes of free reading a day can help improve your child's skills and habits.

11.  Read aloud to your child, especially a child who is discouraged by his or her own poor reading skills.  The pleasure of listening to you read, rather than struggling alone, may restore your child's initial enthusiasm for books and reading.

12.  Encourage your child to read aloud to you an exciting passage in a book, an interesting tidbit in the newspaper, or a joke in a joke book.  When children read aloud, don't feel they have to get every word right.  Even good readers skip or mispronounce words now and then.

13.  On gift-giving occasions, give books and magazines based on your child's current interests.

14.  Set aside a special place for children to keep their own books.

15.  Introduce the bookmark.  Remind your youngster that you don't have to finish a book in one sitting; you can stop after a few pages, or a chapter, and pick up where you left off at another time.  Don't try to persuade your child to finish a book he or she doesn't like.  Recommend putting the book aside and trying another.

16.  Treat your children to an evening of laughter and entertainment featuring books!  Many children (parents, too) regard reading as a serious activity.  A joke book, a story told in riddles, or a funny passage read aloud can reveal another side of reading.

17.  Extend your child's positive reading experiences.  For example, if your youngster enjoyed a book about dinosaurs, follow up with a visit to a natural history museum.

18.  Offer other special incentives to encourage your child's reading.  Allow your youngster to stay up an extra 15 minutes to finish a chapter; promise to take your child to see a movie after he or she has finished the book on which it was based; relieve your child of a regular chore to free up time for reading.

19.  Limit your children's TV viewing in an effort to make time for other activities, such as reading.  But never use TV as a reward for reading, or a punishment for not reading.

20.  Not all reading takes place between the covers of a book.  What about menus, road signs, food labels, and sheet music?  Take advantage of countless spur-of-the-moment opportunities for reading during the course of your family's busy day.



 

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Tips on How To Prepare Your Kid for Exam

Parents and families can help to create a positive test-taking experience and help students prepare for exams.. Here are some ideas.  

Throughout the Year

• Make sure your child gets enough sleep, eats properly, and gets to school on time. During exam time, make this a special effort.
• Encourage your child to READ, READ, READ. No activity is linked to academic success as much as reading. Even the math portion on the exam uses word problems to test problem-solving ability.
• Write exam dates on your home calendar.
• Talk with your child's teacher(s) often to see what you can do at home to support your child's work in school. Review all progress reports and report cards. Talk with your child's teacher if you have concerns.
• Review your child's previous year's test report.
• Encourage your child to participate in practice-test opportunities.
• If your child is having difficulty with a subject, call the school and ask if extra support in that subject is offered.
• Praise your children for working hard and for the things they do well.
• Set times each day for study and homework.
• Ask about homework every day, and check to see that it is completed.
• Give your child a quiet, well-lit, comfortable place to study.
• Help your child practice exam questions. Review the test together so you will all get familiar with the expectations. Ask your child's teacher for copies of practice questions.

Exam Day

• Make sure that your child is well rested and eats breakfast.
• See that your child arrives at school on time and relaxed.
• Comfort counts. Send a sweater if it's a cool day. Dress in layers for a warm day.
• Send along all the needed tools- sharpened pencils, pens, rulers, etc.
• Encourage your child to do the best work possible and to have a positive attitude.
• Encourage your child to listen/ read carefully to all test-taking directions and to ask questions if any directions are unclear.
• Remind your child not to get stuck on any one item.
• Encourage your child to check for accuracy if time permits.

After the Test

• Once you have received the results and reviewed them.
• Identify areas of strengths and weaknesses.  For example, were scores higher in math or English? Were your child's math skills stronger in computation or in solving word problems?  Your child's teacher can help you.
• Praise your child's testing strengths and make a plan to address identified weaknesses.
• If your child's score is not consistent with his or her grades, contact your child's teacher or counselor.
• See your child's teacher if you need additional help to understand how your child did on the test. Remember – you are very important to your child's success in school and in life.  Your interest and support lets your child know you believe in him or her and that you value education.   

 Hope these suggestions help you to help your child be successful in school and in life.

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10 Reasons Why Kids Succeed In School

In just about every classroom, it’s easy to pick out certain children who are clearly doing great. You might expect them to all look the same, but in fact, these kids come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. Yet together, they radiate similar good feelings about school. Happy and alert, they seem at home with themselves, their classmates, and the teacher. How does it happen? The question is almost a holy grail for parents, teachers, and researchers. After all, no one wants to see a child fail in school.

Children who succeed in school:

1. Are “eager to learn.” From earliest childhood, parents and community have offered interesting things to explore, and have encouraged curiosity.
2. Pursue learning. This means they ask questions, and they seek help. When they get stuck, they know that adults are on hand to help—and that it’s worth asking.
3. Put effort into their work. Parents can convey the message that if kids try hard, the results will pay off. These kids are proud of effort, and they don’t give up.
4. Use solid emotional and social skills. School is full of emotional and social challenge, as kids handle friends, authority, and group dynamics. Parents can help by supporting kids in making good decisions and being generous friends.
5. Have an accurate view of their own knowledge and skills. Parents help when they celebrate their children just as they are, neither less nor more, while still encouraging high hopes and dreams.
6. Look to parents as role models for learning. This does not mean that parents must be perfect—it means they must be real, and they must be willing to be learners sometimes too.
7. Have homes that “promote learning by natural teaching.” This doesn’t require that Bach be piped into the nursery or abstract mathematics be taught in the sandbox. It means that parents talk, explain, name and count everyday things and experiences, helping kids learn and make meaning.
8. Follow helpful family routines. Kids can count on regular meals, baths, and sleep times. When it’s time for school, they’re ready to go.
9. Know that rules count. Parents help by setting clear limits and boundaries - “authoritative” rather than too strict or too lax.
10. Attend schools with “high expectations,” strong and effective staff development, and good communication about kids’ progress. Whatever the age of the child, parents can help by modeling good communication, and by staying in close touch with teachers and school staff.

Rocket science? No. Easy? Not necessarily! Lots of devoted parents may still find themselves stumped by kids who struggle in school. And many students can succeed just fine without having every single hallmark. But if parents can actively promote the items on this list, they promise that everyone in a family benefits, especially your school-age child.



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How To Control Your Kid Video Game Playing Time

1) Play Together

As counter intuitive as it might seem, playing video games together might curb your child's game-playing habits. By taking an interest in his interests, you're showing him that you like spending time with him and that you're open to new ideas. This positive energy might make him more receptive to your suggestions for alternate activities. 

2) Set Time Limits

Are your child's grades slipping because of too much screen time? Create boundaries when it comes to playing video games and watching TV. For example, tell your child that he can play his favorite video game for 30 minutes after he's completed his homework and chores.

3) Praise His Progress

Video games are addictive because they offer players constant rewards and instant gratification. Help your child gain a more realistic perspective on life by encouraging him to pursue hobbies that take time and self-discipline to master (such as learning a new instrument). As he pursues his new interest, acknowledge his hard work and growth.

4) Curb the Content

All video games are not created equal. Some video games contain a lot of violence and sexual undertones. Keep an eye on the kinds of video games your child is playing by leaving the console in the family room.

5) Serve Up a Balanced Entertainment Diet

Get your kid out of the habit of plopping down in front of the couch. Family dinners, board game nights, and group bike rides are great ways to spend quality time with your kid. In the long run, your child will definitely cherish those memories more than the time he spent in front of the tube!

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Rivalry Amongst Sibling

Siblings can be a wonderful addition to any child's life. When a good relationship is created between siblings, the rewards are extraordinary. Siblings can be there for each other in many ways that parents cannot. They can be playmates, share secrets, help each other learn important social skills, and be lifelong friends.

Even when siblings are best of friends, fighting and disagreements can happen. This is natural. In the process of growing up, children must learn how to build relationships. Parents play an important role in guiding their children to build these healthy relationships. The key lies in teaching children to express their anger safely and appropriately. It also has to do with encouraging cooperation between siblings rather than competition, and valuing each child's uniqueness.

Why Do Kids Fight?
Siblings fight about many things. Don't feel that you are a bad parent if your children fight. Instead, see their fights as learning opportunities for them. Knowing the "why" behind children's fighting will help you to better understand certain situations and perhaps even avoid some of their bickering. Siblings might fight over possessions, individual space, or just out of plain boredom. Following are other reasons siblings squabble. 

* Basic Needs. Make sure your children's basic needs are being met. Children who are tired or hungry can get cranky and are much more likely to start fights. 

*Attention. If children feel ignored, they may fight so that parents will notice them. It is hard for children to share their parents with their siblings. Children need to feel a sense of belonging in the family unit. If a desire for attention seems to be the cause for fights, parents need to make an extra effort to reward good behavior as well as to spend more individual time with each child.

* Lack Of Experience. Children lack social competence. For example, a child might pick a fight to get his sibling to play with him. Parents need to teach children to find more appropriate ways of voicing their needs. Parents can teach children to put their feelings into words and find safe ways to express their anger.

How to Handle Rivalry

The goal for parents is not to rescue their children when they are fighting, but to help them learn to resolve their differences. Parents can equip their children with the skills and attitudes needed for a fulfilling relationship. This is not always easy to do, but here are some suggestions for a parent's role during conflicts between siblings. 

** Establish Rules. Make sure that family rules and consequences are well known and understood by each child. Children must know that biting, hitting, and other acts that can cause physical harm are unacceptable. You can teach them to express their anger with words. 

** Problem Solve. Teach your children techniques to use when they get angry (walking away, counting to ten, or asking for help). Work on problem solving skills with your children. If you notice that your children are unable to reach a compromise, step in and coach them. First, make sure that they can state the problem. Then ask them what they need to do to solve it. After the children list several suggestions, ask them to agree on a solution. If both children agree on a safe solution, allow them to use it. 

** Don't Become Involved in Your Children's Conflicts. When you know your children are capable of solving the problem, avoid getting involved in their conflicts. When you constantly get involved in your children's conflicts, you become judge and jury. They also become dependent on you to solve their arguments and they may not learn to resolve their own conflicts. 

** Don't Allow Your Children to Fight in Front of You. Ask your children to take their fighting elsewhere when you sense they can resolve the problem on their own. Some helpful phrases might be: "I am sure you guys can work that out," "I'm sorry to hear you are upset with each other, but if you are going to argue take it where I can't hear you," and "It is up to both of you to reach a solution."

In summary, parents play a role in determining how siblings get along. Parents can also assist their children in learning ways to resolve their conflicts. Arguments are bound to happen. By teaching children the necessary skills to resolve their conflicts, caring relationships between siblings can be enhanced.

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Underage Drinking. Myths vs Facts

Myth Drinking is a good way to loosen up at parties.
FACT Drinking is a dumb way to loosen up. It can make you act silly, say things you shouldn’t say, and do things you wouldn’t normally do (like get into fights or have sex).

Myth Drinking alcohol will make me cool.
FACT There’s nothing cool about stumbling around, passing out, or puking on yourself. Drinking alcohol also can cause bad breath and weight gain.

Myth All of the other kids drink alcohol. I need to drink to fit in.
FACT If you really want to fit in, stay sober. Most young people don’t drink alcohol. Research shows that more than 70 percent of youth aged 12 to 20 haven’t had a drink in the past month.

Myth I can sober up quickly by taking a cold shower or drinking coffee.
FACT On average, it takes 2 to 3 hours for a single drink to leave the body. Nothing can speed up the process, including drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or “walking it off.”

Myth Adults drink, so kids should be able to drink too.
FACT A young person’s brain and body are still growing. Drinking alcohol can cause learning problems or lead to adult alcoholism. People who begin drinking by age 15 are five times more likely to abuse or become dependent on alcohol than those who begin drinking after age 20.

Myth Beer and wine are safer than liquor.
FACT Alcohol is alcohol…it can cause you problems no matter how you consume it. One 12-ounce bottle of beer or a 5-ounce glass of wine (about a half-cup) has as much alcohol as a 1.5- ounce shot of liquor. Alcopops—sweet drinks laced with malt liquor—often contain more alcohol than beer!

Myth I can drink alcohol and not have any problems.
FACT If you’re under 21, drinking alcohol is a big problem: It’s illegal. If caught, you may have to pay a fine, perform community service, or take alcohol awareness classes. Kids who drink also are more likely to get poor grades in school, and are at higher risk for being a crime victim.





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