Question:
HI-I have a 20 year daughter who is drinking in the house (against my rules) I have found vodka bottles (1/2 full and beer)...do you suggest that I confiscate when I find? I have talked to her about no alcohol in the house and she keeps breaking the rule. I have given her 2 months to find a new place to live if she cant respect the rules of the house however until hat 2 months is up...how do I handle present situations?
Answer:
ParentingTeensOnline expert, Stephen Wallace, fields questions about drugs and alcohol. Stephen Wallace is the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), and has served as school psychologist, camp director, and college professor. You can read more about him on SADD's site. Stephen answers:
Your daughter is clearly not respecting the common-sense rules you have put in place concerning her conduct in your house! Confiscating the liquor and beer is certainly a reasonable response on your part, although that doesn't mean she won't just go get some more. Obviously, she is below the legal drinking age and her persistence in drinking at home suggests she may have, or be developing, a substance problem. You may want to consider requiring her to attend a screening session with a medical or prevention specialist as a condition of housing. They will be best positioned to determine if she needs professional intervention.