She said when teens get the message that drinking is OK in some situations, but not others, they often conclude that permission has been granted for almost any situation. Research shows these mixed messages may lead to increased underage alcohol use. Often, when teens and parents negotiate consequences together, they find that the consequences proposed by the teen actually are more severe than the ones parents think of. Some parents find that writing out the rules in the form of a contract makes them more real, especially for younger teens. Huser said negotiating rewards for the end of the year or the end of the semester if all the rules are followed also is important.
Rewards are necessary with teens to strengthen positive behaviors.
Some options might include a later curfew, extended driving privileges, permission to attend a special concert or event, or hosting a party at your house. We don't encourage giving an allowance or money as a reward because it seems like a pay-off for positive behavior. Huser also said it's important that parents enforce consequences if a rule is broken to ensure consistency. If nothing happens when a rule is broken, teens get the message that the infraction isn't very serious and that parents don't really mean what they say. For more information on teen drinking and drug prevention, contact your County Extension office.