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A 21st birthday should be fun and safe – especially when it comes to alcohol.
High-risk and competitive drinking often happens on college campuses in this country with so many students turning 21.
As parents and family members you’ve engaged your Zag in conversations reinforcing your family values and expectations concerning their health and well-being. Their 21st birthday is an excellent opportunity to continue the dialogue to help them set their own expectations for the celebration.
Your student’s birthday plans may not include alcohol at all. But if you think they might, we have some tips to help you talk to your child about reducing their risk. This isn’t about lectures and scare tactics. It’s about informing and encouraging them to consider protective strategies like these:
- Plan a safe way home before beginning to drink.
- Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Eat a solid meal before and snack throughout.
- Alternate with water or non-alcoholic beverages.
- Designate a sober friend to help keep everyone safe and intervene if necessary.
- Have no regrets – when in doubt, call 911.
Send a Birthday Card to your student reminding them to have a fun and safe 21st birthday!
Birthday Card includes message about protective strategies should they choose to celebrate with alcohol, a coupon for a free Starbucks drink at the Starbucks location on campus, and an opportunity for you to include a personalized message.
Please submit the form below at least 1 week prior to your student’s birthday so we can ensure it gets to them in time!