My son has become a drinker

I always believed our only son won't get into bad habits. His dad doesn't know this about it yet. And if he does, I'm sure he'll create a huge drama that's only going to worsen the situation. I myself don't know how to confront him. I feel like I've been adequate as a mother. I talked to him this morning at breakfast but he said it's his friends who are to be blamed, not him which I think is pretty lame an excuse.
- Sujoy

Illustration/ Satish Acharya

Dear Sujoy,
Peer pressure may have landed him in such a situation. But ultimately it is up to him to say no. Keeping company with them is okay but he need not do what they are doing. Explain to him that he is still young and it could lead to be an addiction with far-reaching consequences. It will affect his health and life. If his pals are habitual drinkers, it is better he steer clear of them. Looks like they are influencing him a lot to be like him and your son is falling prey to it. Explain to him in a cool manner that drinking is harmful and he is too young to do all this. There is a time and place for everything in life. u00a0