Today is MADD's first PowerTalk21 day encouraging parents to talk to their children about alcohol

TROY, Mich., (WXYZ) - Do you ever feel awkward about talking to a teen about alcohol?  You are not alone.

Today Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is holding the first ever PowerTalk21 Day.  

PowerTalk21 will become an annual event on April 21st -- a day for parents to start talking with their kids about alcohol. 

MADD is also providing online tools to help parents get started.  The Power of Parents, It's Your Influence handbook is free on the national MADD website.

Shelly Kardamone of Macomb Township is a volunteer at the Mothers Against Drunk Driving state office in Troy.  So she knew about MADD's new handbook before most people.

She started reading it and was struck by one parent's regret after not confronting a son who had hidden a bottle of rum in the garage.

"'[Those were] comments from a mother whose son died from alcohol poisoning at the age of 18.'  It's sad.  Kids just, they dont know," she said, holding back tears.

The point of Power of Parents, It's Your Influence handbook is a tool to help parents navigate through conversations with their kids about preventing  underage drinking.

The 46-page resources is packed with tips and research-proven strategies to help parents talk to their teens about alcohol.

Travis Reece is a Victim Advocate for MADD.  The father of two children -- 9 and 19 -- actually got a lot of good ideas from reading the book.

"The conversation starters to me are the best part fo the PowerTalk21 because a lot of times parents like myself don't know how to break the ice," explained Reece.

Janette Kolodge - the state Executive Director for MADD MIchigan says talking to children is even more important now than ever before.

"Last year 6000 teens were injured and killed due to underage drinking. And that's mroe than all the drug fatalities and injuries for teens throughout the USA," said Kolodge.

The talking tool on MADD's website is rich with information, and it is absolutely free.

If you would like to take a 30-minute Power of Parenting, It's Your Influence workshop, you may contact the state MADD office in Troy at (248) 528-1745 for times and locations.

MADD is also recruiting volunteers to be trained to conduct these workshops throughout the community.  If you are interested in volunteering, you may also call (248) 528-1745.