Today's teens, despite a nationwide drinking age of twenty-one,

are no less likely to drink than were the generations before them. Alcohol is still available and the pressure to partake hits almost every girl.

Peer Pressure and Alcohol

Girls and drinking. Think Drew Barrymore as a preteen (and then as a teen in rehab). One would think that would have been a valuable lesson to Hollywood girls and all girls. Now think Lindsay Lohan, the Olsen twins, and others. They all frequent bars and are pictured drinking from a young age. And this seems to be celebrated by teen girls, who pressure each other. They believe that if they are grown-up and cool (which they are sure they are), they should be drinking too. Here, you'll want to first message to your daughter a simple fact: underage drinking is illegal and not allowed in your family. Make sure it is clear that this rule goes with her everywhere she goes, even at a friend's house where drinking is allowed. Because ironically, some of the “peer pressure” on your daughter here may come from your peers. Somewhere along the line, parents became misguided, and began thinking if their daughters just drank at home or with supervision, that would be fine. This is not the case. Studies show the younger a girl starts drinking, the more chance she has of becoming addicted to alcohol. And again, it's illegal. Period.

There seems to be a feeling out there, too, that certain teen events simply must involve alcohol. The prom, for one. Homecoming is another. Some parents like to host “stay-at-the-house” parties and allow this to happen, thinking they are controlling things. They are not. Such activity is illegal and you, as a parent, need to just say “no” on behalf of your daughter. She may hate you for it at the time, and may utter those all-too-often-heard words “but I'm the only girl in town who can't!” but stick to it. If more parents did (including parents of celebrity teens), the issue might not be as widespread as it is in now.

Your Own Drinking Rules

And what if you drink (and chances are you do)? Set an example, and drink responsibly. At least try to stay within the law. Never drink and drive. Always choose a designated driver, and let your daughter know that you do. Do not take part in illegal public drinking, and do not drink to excess. If you do so from time to time, let her know that you understand you erred and that you are paying the price with a horrible hangover. Stress that even as an adult of legal drinking age, you have limits and responsibilities.

The Advent of “Girl Drinks”

Hard Lemonade and so-called “twisted teas” have elevated the chances for girls to introduce drinking into their lives. Liquor sales forces have women in their line of fire, and girls end up there as well with what industry insiders call the “alcoh-pop” line of drinks. The days of having to gag down your father's vermouth for your first buzz are long gone. “Girlie drinks” go down smooth, yet are just as potent as any other beer, wine, or alcoholic beverage. Be sure to stress this to your daughter. Don't let her think that because something tastes fruity, it's okay to drink, even if it has alcohol. In fact, teach her that such drinks can be dangerous because you don't realize you've had too much until — well, until you've had too much.

These drinks can also feel more “socially acceptable” to girls. Make sure your daughter understands that they are not. She needs to see the facts: these drinks contain as much or more alcohol as any other drink and should be looked at the same way. Try to let her in on the secret: the liquor industry is trying to trick her with these drinks. Encourage her not to fall for the trick.