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Who in their right mind would wish their kids to turn out binge drinkers, livers leaning towards the grave at 40 and lungs loaded with toxins?
Editorial: talk to kid, and do tackle alcohol
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We want the very best for our offspring to do well, right? Deep in our hearts, we dream of them being better than us. This is the aim we share... while differing in what we do and how much we believe a parent can make a difference.
Faith in one’s abilities and options to change stuff is vital. As a rule, whoever believes in results will get them. Surely, knowledge and skills play a role really important, but faith in what one does matter a whole lot.
The parents who daily fellowship with their kids believe they stand a chance to impact their behaviour. If, however, you think the impact is small, less probably will you try to prevent the kid drinking. Studies show parental example is paramount in risk behaviour of kids. It makes sense, therefore, to be reading/applying advice. Like, for starters, at what age it is advisable to touch upon alcohol while talking to your children, and when to set some family rules.
A close and secure relationship with parents is a prerequisite for being able to impact the kid’s behaviour towards alcohol and tobacco. Close relationships are formed with things done together and talking to the children in a focussed way, learning their thoughts and interests. Understandably, in this fast world of ours, opportunities for really relating don’t just happen – therefore, time needs to be planned, talks «scheduled» somewhat.
Example counts. By activists and experts alike, we are warned to avoid drinking – or at least cut it – while at (summertime) events with our children. With friends and relatives, it can be agreed that at get-togethers with children around, all adults will limit themselves to tiny amounts of alcohol, to say nothing about never offering it to minors.
There also are the absolutely ordinary decent parents who think nothing weird of serving alcohol to grown-ups attending a child’s birthday. Please, think twice.
Summing it up, the recipe for success might be a trusting and secure relationship with parents, right talk at the right time, clear rules, as little bad example as possible, and more action/adventure.