Keeping My Daughter Away from Drinking in College

College life is well underway and it's most students first full weekend on campus.  Many students went home last weekend for Labor Day break.

I started my conversation about alcohol long ago with my girls. I'm hypersensitive to the damage alcohol can cause. Alcoholism wreaked havoc in my family.  So I shared with them about my experience as a child and witnessing first hand the damage drinking can cause. Difficulty keeping a job, maintaining relationships, and not having control of your own life. I let them know it is deeply personal for me.

We also talk about all the tragic events that can happen as a result of drinking and being impaired. As young women, it is important they understand the vulnerable position they can put themselves in when mixing alcohol and so called "partying".

No one has the right to take advantage of anyone who is impaired, however isn't that how most crimes occur? One person dominating another. I teach my girls to make choices that put their safety first. Don't leave a drink, alcohol or non alcohol, unattended. Don't let others pressure you into doing something you don't feel comfortable with. Don't go to places where you know there will be alcohol. Understand the consequences of underage drinking. These are just a few of the conversations we've had.

My first daughter made it through college without drinking being a problem. Now it's time to school daughter number two.

I'm not naive enough to think she wouldn't experiment or try drinking. But I would hope I have instilled in her good judgment and common sense.

I texted her last night and asked, "What are you doing on your first college weekend night?"

Her response, "I'm going to Dairy Queen!!!:)"

We're off to a good start.