Is it ok to drink in front of my children?
Research shows that from a young age children learn about acceptable behaviour by observing and copying their parents, so when it comes to drinking, it really is a case of leading by example. What they see at home helps children think about how they’ll drink alcohol as an adult.
So, just as children learn to walk and talk like their parents, they learn how to drink like them too. For example, there’s evidence that children whose parents drink moderately in front of them are less likely to drink to excess. You can follow these simple tips to demonstrate your own responsible attitude to drinking.
Talk to your children
Sometimes it can seem like there’s always an excuse to drink, but children notice if their parents have different drinking patterns at special occasions or on holiday. To avoid confusing them, keep up a conversation that explains that usually you stick to the lower risk unit guidelines of drinking.
Be open with your children
If you do drink too much occasionally and have to deal with a hangover, don’t try and hide the symptoms, instead talk openly to your child about how you’re feeling. Tell them if you have a headache or feel sick and let them know these are effects of alcohol would be worse for them as they’re smaller and their bodies are still developing. This way they know that too much alcohol can have a negative consequence and you avoid making alcohol a taboo subject.
Medical officers recommend that an alcohol-free childhood is the healthiest and best option. The AA Estcourt branch hosts meetings every Tuesday at Forderville Primary School from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Desigan on 082 849 3014. The AA Winterton branch hosts meetings every Thursday at the Springfield Church opposite the police station from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Dolly on 071 688 5330 or Virgilo on 079 688 0432.
