An article from Medium examines the impact of parental drinking habits on children. It highlights that children are highly observant and can be influenced by their parents’ behaviour, including their alcohol consumption. The piece cites studies showing that children who grow up in households where drinking is frequent are more likely to develop similar habits themselves.

The article also discusses the importance of setting a positive example and being mindful of how often and in what context parents consume alcohol in front of their children. It suggests that parents should consider the long-term effects their drinking habits might have on their children’s attitudes toward alcohol and overall well-being.

Also see 

• Parent Modelling of Drinking Important
• Feeling Nothing, Craving Everything: ACOA (Adult Children Of Alcoholics Syndrome)

(Source: WRD News)

College students’ drinking habits are significantly influenced by communication with their parents, a dynamic that demands urgent scrutiny. The findings underline the necessity for robust preventive measures and strict regulations. Legalising or normalising alcohol consumption on campus without addressing these parental influences is recklessly negligent.

Parental Communication as a Preventive Tool: The study reveals the powerful role of parental communication in shaping students’ drinking behaviours. Frequent and supportive texts from parents can deter excessive alcohol consumption and promote healthier choices. Ignoring this preventive tool in favour of lenient alcohol policies is dangerously short-sighted. Encouraging open dialogue between parents and students is pivotal for effective prevention.

The Risks of Neglecting Parental Influence: Neglecting the influence of parental communication when considering alcohol policies is a grave mistake. Parents play a critical role in guiding their children’s behaviour, and disregarding this aspect can lead to increased risks of alcohol abuse. Effective strategies must include educating parents on how to communicate effectively with their college-bound children about the dangers of drinking.

Comprehensive Preventive Measures Needed: To address college drinking habits comprehensively, preventive measures must go beyond campus policies. This includes integrating parental guidance programs, public awareness initiatives, and stricter regulations on alcohol availability. Legalising or loosely regulating alcohol without such frameworks is irresponsibly dangerous. Prevention and responsible regulation are key to protecting students’ well-being and academic achievements.

(Source: WRD News)

With a growing voice for greater permission for illicit substance use in some cultures and entrenched addiction for profit industries like Big Alcohol and Big Cannabis, where should the policy priorities lie?

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Family connectedness, particularly at meal times – excellent protective factor: The scientists are catching up – Research confirms what all community minded and family valuing people know. Family togetherness is a key to not only better health and well-being, but also building resilience into the emerging adult – resilience that can make it easier for them to avoid the substance use trap. (https://worldresiliencyday.org) 

“Eating dinner together at least 3 or 4 times per week has positive effects on child development and has been linked to children’s lower rates of overweight and obesity, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, depression, and eating disorders; higher self-esteem; and better academic performance. Eating family meals also has nutritional benefits. Families who eat dinner together eat more fruits and vegetables and fewer fried foods and sugary drinks. Family meals also help adults and children learn to like a variety of foods.” (Source: JAMA Paediatrics)

This guide can help you have a meaningful, non-threatening conversation with your teen about vaping. You won’t find a set of scripted questions – we don’t want to put words in your mouth. Instead, we’ll share: Conversation starters based on your teen’s vaping behaviour and insights from our research about what your teen might be thinking and feeling, and what you can say to help. These insights are based on our recent survey interviews and in-depth conversations with teens across Australia. 

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