KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Springtime is Prime time for Underage Drinking

Springtime is primetimes for underage drinking.  With spring break, proms, graduation and lots of parties, experts say parents have got to send their kids a strong sobering message.  In our story, we focus on a 19-year old girl who had been drinking and smoking pot before she flipped her jeep on a country road and broke her neck.  She's now paralyzed from the neck down.  Her parents say they sensed that their daughter was making bad choices, but they did not confront her about those choices.  According to a Roper Youth Report, 68 percent of teenagers say parents are the leading influence in their teenage child's decision not to drink.  While it may not be easy, parents need to send a message that is crystal clear to their kids... that drinking is not ok and it is illegal.  Child psychologists say many parents try to be their children's friend, instead of their parent.  When that happens, the boundaries get crossed and kids lose respect for their parents.  Many parents are afraid of making their kids mad or upset, but doctors say that shouldn't matter.  That part is not the fun part of parenting, but it is the most important part of parenting.