EXCESSES of the chemical dopamine in the brain can trigger the desire to undertake risky behaviour in some teens, such as smoking, drinking, missing school and staying out beyond the agreed time.

Adding to this, behaviour of this kind could be fuelled by peer pressure, with the rewards for giving in to temptation being immediate and powerful.

Identifying potential high-risk situations ahead of time will avoid your being put under pressure when dealing with it.

Let’s imagine your teen is off to see a movie and the high-risk behaviour you are concerned about is drinking alcohol afterwards.

Talk through their plans with them - travelling in the car is a good time for this, as it’s less intense). Help them devise strategies to cope if they feel pressured to drink. You could offer to pick them up at an agreed time and place. Help them to feel in control of what you agree; that way they will be more likely to stick to the agreement.

Talk about rewards if they stick to what you have agreed, such as having a friend over to stay, a meal out or they get to choose the next takeaway you have as a family.

If you find the agreed plan isn’t observed, a consequence needs to be applied. This could be in the form of not being allowed out for the next social event. Remember to be realistic with this consequence by ensuring it is possible to enforce!

Communication is key to success; don’t forget you were a teen once, and remember what you got up to!

See www.parentandbabycoach.co.uk

NEXT WEEK: Dealing with rudeness and disrespect.