Saying “no” to your peers can be intimidating when you’re a teenager. Having conversations and a plan ahead of time gives you the opportunity to offer suggestions on how your teen might respond if someone invites them to try alcohol.

Here are 10 ways teens can say “no,” whether they’re taking an honest or humorous approach, or simply looking to change the subject:

Taking an honest approach:

1.        I’m on a team. I’ll get in trouble.

2.        My parents would ground me.

3.        For medical reasons, I can’t drink.

4.        I’m gluten free.

5.        I’m allergic to alcohol.

6.        I’m good – I have a drink (water, soda, juice).

Giving a humorous response or changing the subject:

7.        No thanks, man, I need all the brain cells I can get.

8.        Where is the FOOD! I’m starved!

9.        I’m watching my figure.

10.        You know where the bathroom is?

Regardless of how your teens approach it, the most important thing is that they have a plan in place to say “no” to alcohol.

To learn more tips for talking with your teen about underage drinking, visit the Coach section of our website.