Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, tackles real-life parenting-related questions, helping you find balance, reduce worry, and live mindfully with your children.

Today’s Question:
"I caught my kid and his teen friends drinking. What is the best way to handle this?"

In this episode, Vanessa shares an honest, compassionate approach to handling the tough situation of finding your teen drinking. Reflecting on our own experiences, she emphasizes staying calm and gathering information first, so you can respond thoughtfully. Vanessa discusses how to have a serious conversation about the risks of underage drinking, when to impose reasonable outcomes (instead of "punishments"), and how to build confidence so your teen can navigate peer pressure. She also talks about knowing when to seek professional support, especially if the behavior continues.

Tune in to learn:

• How to keep calm and gather the full story
• Approaches for discussing drinking risks in a way that resonates with teens
• How to set fair and logical outcomes without losing your child’s trust
• Ways to support your teen’s confidence to help them say “no” when it matters
• When it might be time to reach out to a professional

Vanessa’s tips offer a balanced approach to addressing this tough situation while staying connected to your child and supporting their growth.

Takeaway Message:
Handling tough situations with teens calmly and thoughtfully not only teaches responsibility but also strengthens trust and open communication. Mistakes are part of growing up, and by guiding our teens with care, we can help them learn and grow from these moments.

Listen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!

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DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.