Calling All Parents: Be the Number One Force in Your Child's Life

Parents are a powerful force in the lives of their children… and so often they don’t realize this or recognize the significance of this simple fact.  This April, as we acknowledge Alcohol Awareness Month, the Lower Fairfield County Regional Action Council (LFCRAC) is working to raise awareness and support parents to understand their significant role in helping to reduce underage drinking.

LFCRAC  members are working within their respective communities across Lower Fairfield County to include a simple message to families - “Talk Early, Talk Often” to your child.  Start at an early age with age appropriate discussions about alcohol.  Why?  Because most 6 year olds know that alcohol is only for adults but as early as age 9 they start to view alcohol in a more positive light. A study on alcohol and advertising, showed that by age 9, many kids know the three mascot frogs, known respectively as “Bud-weis-er”.  Between ages 9 and 13, children start to think that underage drinking is okay.  Some even start to experiment.  

On the other hand, a report from Century Council indicated that more than 80 percent of children say parents are the leading influence in their decision to drink or not to drink.(Source: The Century
Council. [2012]. What youth say about alcohol. From http://www.centurycouncil.org/underage-drinking/what-youth-say-about-alcohol; accessed May 3, 2012).

In conversations with your child, talk about the risks of underage drinking, provide a clear consistent message and a set of enforceable rules about underage drinking, but also talk to and help your teen find alcohol-free opportunities.

The LFCRAC Prevention Partnership Committee has developed a brochure entitled “The Power of Parents” which offers tips to increase influence and strengthen the bonds between parent and child.  Interested persons can download a free copy of this – and other helpful information – at www.lfcrac.org.  One can also join the LFCRAC coalition, move to become part of the solution and sign up to receive periodic email newsletters for ongoing updates that include new resources and reports on substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment.

Parents can also support local prevention efforts during April is Alcohol Awareness Month. In New Canaan, a campaign highlighting that “the easiest place to find alcohol is right next to the milk” is being repeated with refrigerators placed throughout the town. 

In addition, students are doing public service announcements, reminding others that they can choose not to drink and that not everyone is drinking.  In Greenwich, the Youth Outreach Club – SADD Chapter have created the mantra “Party Sober- Keep It Dry”.  Libraries, School Based Health Centers, community providers and school nurses  in Stamford are supporting alcohol awareness by  displaying or distributing a variety of publications for parents and teens.  In Darien, the Local Prevention Council called Thriving Youth Task Force is coordinating a number of community-wide activities and messages facilitated by teen groups,
youth service agencies and community organizations.

For additional information on various outreach efforts throughout lower Fairfield County, the following individuals should be contacted directly:
Jenny Byxbee, Greenwich 203-869-2221
Meg Domino, New Canaan 203-966-7862
Terri Drew, Stamford 203-977-5674
Martha Rhein, Darien 203-858-6022; or
Alicia Sillars, Darien 203-656-7326.

The Lower Fairfield County Regional Action Council (LFCRAC) is a collaborative of dedicated representatives from a variety of sectors in Lower Fairfield County. Members include: Elected Officials, Parents, Youth, Law Enforcement , Treatment Service Providers, Persons In Recovery Advocates, Multicultural Communities,  Local Community Coalitions, Social Service Providers, Behavioral Health Providers and Advocates, Prevention Specialists, Faith-Based Organizations, Public Health and Health Providers,  Schools, Businesses, and the Media.  The LFCRAC is a regional resource to support local initiatives. We provide information on substance misuse across the lifespan, speakers, trainings, evidence-based programs, legislative efforts, funding sources, coalition building, evaluation tools and community-based initiatives in both English and Spanish. The LFCRAC is a member of the Connecticut Prevention Network.  Support for the LFCRAC includes funding from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.   

Contact Information:

Stephanie R. Paulmeno, MS, RN, NHA, Chairman, LFCRAC
email:  spaulmeno47@yahoo.com     
phone: 203-391-7914

Ingrid Gillespie MSc, Director, LFCRAC
email:  rac@liberationprograms.org
phone:  203-326-0400