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When it comes to using drugs and drinking alcohol, how much do you and your child's other parent agree on what to say to your child? According to a recent survey, only half (53 percent) of parents surveyed "agree completely" on what to say to their child about alcohol use.* Of parents who do not "agree completely" on what to say, half (51 percent) say each parent expresses their own views to the child.
The survey highlights the importance of parents sending a consistent and unified message to their teens about drugs and alcohol:
- Teens whose parents don't agree completely with each other on what to say to their teen about drinking are twice as likely to have used alcohol (31 percent vs. 14 percent).
- Teens whose parents don't agree completely with each other on what to say to their teen regarding drug use, are more than three times likelier to have used marijuana (20 percent vs. 6 percent).
*2011 National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse XVI: Teens and Parents, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University |
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Grandparents have influence as well |
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While parents are generally recognized as the most important and long-lasting influence on children and on the decisions they make, grandparents have a close and special bond and often serve as inspiration to their grandkids. This unique relationship between grandparent and grandchild provides an ideal opening for discussion about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. To present a united front, these messages must be consistent with those of the parents. Research shows that grandparents are looking for guidance on how to talk to their grandkids about difficult topics. In fact, 54% of grandparents surveyed said that they would find information about drugs and alcohol somewhat or very useful. (AARP Grandparenting Survey, 2002) |
