My girls just finished having Red Ribbon Week at school.  Now, I have to admit, I was a little annoyed when my 3 year old came home touting a sticker saying, “I can say No to Drugs!”.  The child goes to school to learn to speak and it pisses (yes, pisses) me off that so many people (including some of of my own near and dear) are the reason that she is being appropriately brainwashed at such a young age.

Nevertheless, I do so want them to learn that alcohol in any form is indeed a drug and causes more harm than good on this Earth.  We are taught as members of our church that we should have moderation in all things…except for a few things and drugs and alcohol are some of them that we do our very best to avoid all together.  At this moment, I do not imagine it will be difficult to have serious learning conversations with my girls but they are 3, 7 and 8.  I should hope it is not hard now or Heaven help us!;)

However, there are some wonderful places available to help us as parents.   We can talk with other parents about various issues and how they are facing it with their teens in regards to underage drinking prevention. The Power of Parents.org is a wonderful new website that can be used as a jumping on/off point to help you start or continue lifesaving conversations with your kid(s).

MADD – Mothers Against Drunk Driving is not a new group nor is it just for Moms.  It is for just about anyone who has been touched by drunk driving and wants to do something about it.  They have a plethora of ways to connect:

• MADD Blog: http://maddparents.blogspot.com/
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/maddparents
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/MADDs-Power-of-Parents-Its-your-influence/131838435851
• Safety Quiz: http://www.madd.org/parents/highschool-drinking2.html
• Support 21 Survey: http://support.madd.org/support21

So take advantage of these wonderful and empowering groups to make a difference in the lives of those around you, most especially your own kids.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of MADD.  A donation was made to MADD in my name to thank me for taking the time to participate.