T'is the Season

We survived New Years and President's Day, but what about Spring Break and Prom Night?  The season is upon us... break out the fake ID, the coolers, the  frou-frou neon polyester dresses, and watch out for the stretch Hummer limos.  Forget getting a reservation at a downtown restaurant come May.  Better yet, just get off the road.  And, if you happen to live at the beach, I pray you don't get a house full of drunk teens next door celebrating the latest high school tradition: the boy-girl, post-prom pajama party!

And please, please don't be the parent that get suckered into signing the weekend lease on the party house.  Not this year!  (You can see my thoughts on that in my earlier post.)  There's going to be some meat in the law this year when it comes to holding parents and adults accountable for what kids are doing in the homes - whether you're there are not. 

I have three young people of my own, so I'm not immune to the pressure that kids will put on their parents - and boy, will they ever press!  But, I realize there is strength in numbers and if parents will get on the same page, we won't need to break down every time we hear "well, so-and-so's parents are letting him stay out all night, why can't I?"

These young humans can be quite logical in their argument, but they are also distracted by their emotions and a sense that the earth will end tomorrow if they can't be just like their peers.  New studies show that by the time children become school age, they have formed a nearly "adult" brain.  The catch is though, it may be all there, but it's not "wired" properly.  The brain's pre-fontal cortex that dictates - or should dictate - executive functions (aka "decision-making skills) is still under construction between adolescence and up until they're 21 or even older.   

That explains why they sound so rational and then they turn around and do something completely impulsive and irrational.  This also explains why it's still a good idea to use our better judgment as parents since sometimes they don't have any.  This is also a good defense for us parents when they assault us with "well, you did it as a teenager, why can't I?".  Remind them that way back then our own pre-fontal cortex was not developed and our parents were so ignorant they didn't even know what our pre-fontal cortex was,  much less how to guide it.  But, now we know better and so shall they.

So, if you still need more artillery as you and your teen move toward spring break, proms and graduation parties, here are some other resources that will shore you up...

27 Laws to Lose By - The Dept. of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Substances

The Power of Parents (DAODAS)

Among young people ages 15 to 24, alcohol use is the major cause of death. 45%of these deaths are due to alcohol use... (DAODAS)

SC State Laws Regarding Alcohol (MADD)

Changes in Teen Brains Linked to Addiction (Yale Study, American Journal of Psychiatry)

PBS: Teen Brain - Work In Progress  

Why is it this all concerns me?  It  matters to me on several fronts - Primarily, I have teenagers and I know what they can get into.  Believe me, I know first hand the scary situations they put themselves into.  Besides, I was a teenager - until recently - and I remember all too well some really risky things I did and how I jeopardized a lot of my hard work and effort.  

And, too, this is my life's work.  I see so many accidents that never had to happen.  Futures ruined and families torn apart because of someone's inattention, somebody's poor judgment or a moment of thrill-seeking.  I don't practice criminal law anymore; I don't do DUI defense, but I do represent the victims that have been hurt or crippled or killed by someone's careless or reckless action.  It's not pretty, but I do help people.  The last thing I want as a Plaintiff's attorney is to encounter a defendant that I once cheered  for playing Little League.  It would break my heart.