There’s an age-old behavior that parents of teenagers have struggled with for generations—substance use. Tell a generation of teens they can’t drink or smoke, and they flock to these practices in an abusive, harmful manner. In fact, research shows that people from 12 to 20 years of age illegally consume about one-tenth of all alcohol in the United States.  

No amount of substance use is safe or legal for children. Protecting your daughter from these harmful behaviors starts with educating her on these health implication realities and teaching her how to be confident in choosing to say no.  

Rehearsing how to say no ahead of time with equip her to be brave in what could be a scary or awkward social encounter. Encourage her to fix her eyes on Jesus, her source of strength and stand firm in her decision.  

Listen to the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay: