Bikeriders Serenade

A Conversation on Choices

The following evening, the sun cast a warm golden hue through the living room windows as Austin gathered his two eldest children, Lori and Timmy, for an important conversation. He could sense that the events of the previous night weighed heavily on both of them, especially Lori, who had faced a tough situation with her friends.

“Hey, guys, can we sit down for a minute? I want to talk about something important,” Austin said, motioning for them to join him on the couch.

Lori and Timmy exchanged curious glances but nodded, settling in beside their dad.

“What’s up, Dad?” Timmy asked, his youthful face bright with curiosity.

Austin took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. “I wanted to talk about making good choices, especially when it comes to peer pressure and things like alcohol or other substances.”

Lori looked down, her fingers fidgeting in her lap. Timmy, sensing the seriousness of the conversation, leaned in closer.

“I know you both are growing up and facing different situations with your friends,” Austin began, his tone gentle yet firm. “It’s important to understand that not all choices are easy, and sometimes, the wrong ones can have serious consequences.”

“Like what happened last night?” Lori asked quietly, her eyes meeting her dad’s.

“Exactly,” Austin replied, nodding. “When you saw that alcohol, it put you in a tough spot. I’m proud of you for calling me, but I want you to know that it’s okay to say no, even if your friends don’t understand.”

Timmy furrowed his brow. “But what if they get mad or think you’re lame for not joining in?”

Austin smiled softly, appreciating Timmy’s honesty. “That’s a real concern, buddy. Friends can sometimes pressure you to fit in, but true friends will respect your choices. It’s more important to stay true to yourself than to go along with something that makes you uncomfortable.”

Lori nodded slowly, absorbing her dad’s words. “But what if you make a bad choice? Like, what happens then?”

“That’s a great question,” Austin said, leaning forward. “Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s part of being human. What matters is how you handle those mistakes. If you do something you regret, it’s important to own up to it, learn from it, and make a plan to do better next time.”

Timmy’s eyes widened. “So, if someone drinks and gets in trouble, they should admit it and try to fix it?”

“Exactly,” Austin affirmed. “Facing the consequences is part of growing up. It can be hard, but it’s also how we learn and become stronger. And remember, you can always come to me or your mom if you’re in a tough spot. We’re here to help you navigate those situations.”

Lori looked thoughtful. “What if I’m at a party and everyone else is drinking? How do I say no without feeling awkward?”

Austin smiled, proud of her for thinking ahead. “You can practice saying no in a way that feels comfortable for you. You might say something like, ‘No thanks, I’m good,’ or ‘I’d rather not.’ You can also suggest doing something else, like playing a game or watching a movie instead. It’s about finding your voice.”

Timmy chimed in, “What if they keep bothering you about it?”

“Then it’s okay to walk away or change the subject,” Austin advised. “Remember, your safety and well-being come first. If someone doesn’t respect your choices, they aren’t being a good friend.”

The room fell silent for a moment as both kids processed their dad’s words. Austin could see the wheels turning in their minds, and he felt a sense of pride in their willingness to engage in the conversation.