There are plenty of challenges when it comes to parenting and we all have different opinions, principles and decisions on how we should do it.
One of the most common decisions to make is often whether to drink alcohol in front of your child, or what is the right age in which to do so. Of course, across the nation, drinking alcohol is socially accepted, but with more people struggling with alcohol addiction than ever before, it is becoming more and more of a sensitive issue.
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So how exactly do you navigate the issue? Here are five top tips…
Set a Positive Example
As we know, children do emulate the behaviours of parents, which is why many of us feel uncertain about drinking alcohol in front of them as we want to set a good example. If you do decide that it is fine to do so, it's important to demonstrate that alcohol should be enjoyed in moderation and in a controlled manner.
Avoid labelling it as a means to cope with stress or emotional difficulties, as again that provides a sort of acceptance that it's ok to drink when stressed. Ultimately, you want to promote responsible drinking habits.
Communicate Openly About Alcohol
As part of that, actually discussing alcohol openly with children can be a useful tool. While it's useful to use age-appropriate language, it can be good to explain what it is, the effects it has and why adults do choose to drink it.
Encourage questions from children, and be honest and open in how you respond. This can be a really useful way in providing your kids with the knowledge and understanding in order to make informed decisions about alcohol, as well as preventing it from becoming a kind of forbidden curiosity.
Establish Clear Boundaries
What is important is to set clear boundaries and expectations when it comes to the appropriate use of alcohol, particularly if you are going to drink in front of them.
Explain the laws and regulations around alcohol and establish the consequences, both legal and at home of misusing alcohol. By doing this, you can create a respect for the substance that will help stray away from abusing it.
Choose Appropriate Occasions
Actually, timing can be everything and consider the context and occasion when it comes to when you do so. We've touched on this already, but turning to drink when you're stressed out or upset, does set a bad example.
However, for social gatherings, weddings, family celebrations and dinners, these are much more appropriate settings and can reinforce that point of alcohol being enjoyed responsibly and in moderation.
Educate About the Risks of Alcohol
Finally, education on the risks can be one of the biggest and best steps to dissuade a child from looking to experiment with alcohol while underage. Note the risk of impaired judgement and addiction especially, and how long-term alcohol abuse can cause the likes of cancer and heart disease.
This can really emphasise how important it is to make safe and sensible choices and set your child up for teenagehood and adulthood when it becomes more prominent in everyday life.
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