To be honest I think youve done a wonderful job already. I work with young people specifically dealing with drugs and alcohol and I wish their parents were as forthcoming and open to communication as you are with you dd. Naturally the fact that it has occurred a few times is concerning, as is her saying she is feeling depressed. Does your dd say why she wants to drink? How it makes her feel?

The photos...ugh...I have the same thing with my dds and we are continually reiterating the need to be respectful of ourselves. I cant believe some of the photos that are circulating on myspace/facebook of young teens. My 13 dd tries to copy her older sister too, so its always fun having to keep an eye on it. The media, pressure from friends etc seems to be overwhelming.

I guess all we can do is try and encourage positive behaviour, positive choices, and try to keep our growing teens bodies safe. I do talk about emotions alot factoring in that their growing brains focus heavily on emotions right now so it can seem so overwhelming for them, but this will settle down. Our job is to guide and it sounds like your lines of communication are open, you are giving her the right information, encouraging her to make good choices, and I guess we have to let them make their own choices. THey will grow and learn from their mistakes after all.

I am happy to be able to use others stories too. It always seems to make it real for teens, ie girl who has a few drinks at a party, choosing risky behaviour she wouldnt normally choose, sleeps with boy etc, just to bring it home how alcohol and risky behaviour are linked.

Jo