What to reveal about yourself as a teen...

[Anonymous]

I was a partier as a teen, and I had premarital sex, probably like most people out there. Concerning the drinking and drugs, DH and I have the usual talks with our kids about substance use/abuse, but have so far never really shared personal experiences. I guess our kids think we were perfect angels
Specifically, I was thinking of talking about an incident at age 16 where someone had spiked the punch at a party and I knowingly drank it, but it was mostly grain alcohol, and I think it's lucky I survived. It was the sickest I ever was from alcohol. I even drove home after barfing up my insides. It was the only time in my life (I swear) that I drove drunk, but it was an incredibly stupid thing to do. I would want my kids to call me to come get them, and not be afraid to ask for help. They are not driving yet, so I will tell them to call if they're in too deep, but do you think it's okay to share some personal stories, so your kids know you were an actual teen at some point with all the peer pressure, drugs, etc. and that you're understanding (as long as it doesn't get to be a habit? I'm just not sure how much is TMI.

[Anonymous]

TMI. From your post, it sounds like you are going to gratituously share this information and that your children haven't asked. The question is, what, if any benefit does your child get from hearing your story. I can't see any benefit of sharing if they haven't asked. If they have, I still can't see any benefit of sharing. If you think you have a message based on your experience, share the message. Give examples. But don't admit to it being you. Really, what good could come of your child, at his/her age, knowing that you exhibited terrible judgment as a teen but survived and turned out just fine and became his/her parent. Seems it could backfire and make your child feel invincible knowing that you were (not that our kids need any help in this department).

[Anonymous]

NP. I just revealed to my eight year old that I smoked cigs as a teenager. We were discussion addiction. He was floored.

[Anonymous]

I always ask people this. People stress to their kids to be honest good peopel yet they lie to their own kids. I learned very young how drugs and bad behavior impact your life and decided not to do any of it. I look forward to having the talk with my kids and showing them that you don't have to cave into pressure and you can be who you want to be.

to lie to your kids is unacceptable, you did what you did, why lie?