“Being the parent of a teenager is often wonderful. But sometimes also complicated

Sometimes it can be difficult to know how to act towards your teenager. Especially when you as a parent are exposed to “nagging” and pressure. As a parent, it is important that you take responsibility, be clear with your expectations and stand up for what you think is important. And say no sometimes.

Saying yes is more fun than saying no. But buying alcohol for your teen does not mean increasing trust or getting closer to each other. The effect can be the exact opposite. Your teenager doubts what you mean when you both warn and buy out. Anyone who has persuaded their parent will surely be happy for the moment, but inwardly is usually a little disappointed. 

If you buy two ciders, your teenager should be happy with that, right? And you also get a good idea of ​​how much he or she will drink at the party. No, unfortunately it rarely works in reality. It is often rather the case that teenagers are not satisfied with the little they have received. With a little alcohol in the body, it becomes easier to drink more and harder to say no if offered. There is no research that suggests that teenagers’ alcohol consumption can be regulated and controlled by you as an adult buying out alcohol. And besides, it is actually punishable under Swedish law, but you probably already knew that.”

Find more from TÄNK OM project (Sweden, 2021) Organised by Länsstyrelsen Västra Götaland.