Why Small Conversations Make A Big Impression

- Article
- Scientifically Informed
By outlining the benefits of talking to your child about drinking at an early age as the first step towards preventing them from initiating alcohol use, this resource offers insight into the importance of having proactive conversations with your child as well as the continued need to adapt and maintain conversations as your child grows up.
Use this article along with the “Talk. They Hear You” app.
Who Should Use
Parents of young adolescents (12-16) and of older teens/young adults (17-25) should use this resource to learn more about the importance of having conversations at an early age and throughout your child’s teen and young adult years. Research shows that parents are the leading influence on their child’s decisions about alcohol. The conversations you have with your child do matter.
Scientific Background
This resource presents information made available through The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
There are multiple publications and citations that support this resource, including the following: