The rule that makes teens drink less

Istockphoto

Researchers have weighed in on the age-old debate of whether you should let your underage teen drink at home. A recent study sides with parents who have strict rules about alcohol. It found that setting clear rules about drinking may actually make it easier for kids 12 to 16 to resist peer pressure and abstain. Adolescents may internalize those parental rules, which can help them inhibit themselves, said the study's corresponding author Sara Pieters.

Bottom line: Your kids are listening (we swear!). Discuss the rules regularly and don't second-guess yourself; you're helping your kids stay on track.