The Research
Research shows that parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's attitudes and behaviors around alcohol. Kids watch and learn from their parents, even at a young age, picking up on how adults handle drinking in social settings and at home. Setting a healthy example is key to guiding teens toward responsible choices. By modeling healthy, alcohol-free behaviors, parents can significantly reduce the risk of underage drinking and foster long-lasting habits that promote well-being. Here's some research that might clarify this point.
Modifiable parenting factors associated with adolescent alcohol misuse: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies
Parents play a key role in shaping their teens' attitudes toward alcohol. This study found that parenting behaviors—like providing alcohol, showing favorable attitudes toward drinking, and modeling alcohol use—are linked to early alcohol use and misuse in adolescents. What parents model around alcohol really matters for their children's choices.
SOURCE: Yap MBH, Cheong TWK, Zaravinos-Tsakos F, Lubman DI, Jorm AF. Modifiable parenting factors associated with adolescent alcohol misuse: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Addiction. 2017 Jul;112(7):1142-1162.
Parents' drinking motives and problem drinking predict their children's drinking motives, alcohol use and substance misuse
This study found that parents' problem drinking and motives, particularly related to coping and conformity, directly influence their children's drinking motives, alcohol use, and substance misuse. Parents' drinking styles set a powerful example that impacts their children's choices around alcohol.
Marino C, Moss AC, Vieno A, Albery IP, Frings D, Spada MM. Parents' drinking motives and problem drinking predict their children's drinking motives, alcohol use and substance misuse. Addict Behav. 2018 Sep;84:40-44. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.03.028. Epub 2018 Mar 27. PMID: 29621681.
Associations Between Parental Drinking and Alcohol Use Among Their Adolescent Children
This study highlights the significant influence parental drinking behaviors have on adolescent alcohol use. Adolescents are more likely to drink if their parents binge drink or consume alcohol more than weekly. Parents play a key role in shaping their children's attitudes toward alcohol, making it crucial for adults to model healthy behaviors and understand how their own alcohol use can impact their children's future drinking habits.
Bohm MK, Esser MB. Associations Between Parental Drinking and Alcohol Use Among Their Adolescent Children: Findings From a National Survey of United States Parent-Child Dyads. J Adolesc Health. 2023 Nov;73(5):961-964. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.05.028. Epub 2023 Sep 14. PMID: 37715766; PMCID: PMC10592189.
The effect of non-dependent parental drinking on Children and Families
This 2017 IAS Study emphasizes that even moderate or low-level drinking by parents can negatively affect children. Kids may associate drinking with relaxation and stress relief, which can normalize alcohol use and increase the likelihood of early experimentation. The study highlights that modeling responsible or reduced drinking behaviors could better support healthier choices and reduce alcohol-related risks in children.
Institute of Alcohol Studies. (2017, October). Like sugar for adults: The effect of non-dependent parental drinking on children & families. Institute of Alcohol Studies.