Spring/Summer; Graduation, Proms – Rites of passage and lovely weather! Wonderful, you may say. However, it can be a deadly combination.

Youth of every generation are exposed and expected to participate in these activities. Food and drink are parts of these rites of passage. Unfortunately, alcohol has held a very prominent place in these celebrations.

About 25 years ago, when I lived in Elmira Heights, a young couple – high school sweethearts – was killed after their prom in a car accident. To this day, the continuing pain of both families is recognized by an annual memory notation in the obituary column of the local newspaper. All parents can relate to this terrible loss – praying it does not happen to their child; feeling guilty because they are thankful it wasn’t their child; and reinforcing the desire to protect their children in any way possible.

How to do this? Talk to your kids about making good choices; drinking and driving; riding with someone who has been drinking; taking car keys away from kids who have been drinking; calling a taxi; calling you for a ride home. The solution to avoiding this dangerous behavior is many, but you must get them on the table. TALK TO YOUR KIDS! You may think they aren’t listening, but they really are.

Avery positive approach in vogue now is the all-night parties hosted by the parents and schools after the prom. The kids are safe, everyone has fun, and it is a memorable occasion for all.

One last remark about parents and their responsibility regarding alcohol: If you host a party that serves alcohol to underage persons, YOU are liable for what could follow. The catch phrase is “those who host, lose the most”. CACTC/Cortland Area Communities That Care is grateful to Joe Reagan, of Royal Motors, for helping us get the word out as we approach the prom and graduation party season.

Jean Shields, R. N.

Patient Services Coordinator

Family Health Network of Central New York, Inc.