Kids often copy what they see adults do, and alcohol use is no different. Studies show that parents and caregivers who drink responsibly—or don’t drink at all—can lower the chances of their kids drinking underage. On the flip side, parents who drink a lot or binge drink make it more likely their kids will take risky chances with alcohol.
How to Set a Good Example
Drink responsibly around your kids: Show moderation and avoid making alcohol look like a way to deal with stress. Kids notice more than we think.
Skip the “party stories” from your past: Instead of talking about wild drinking stories, share the lessons you learned from mistakes. Those stories might seem funny, but they can give kids the wrong impression.
Set clear rules: Make it clear that underage drinking isn’t allowed in your home. Explain the health risks and legal consequences so they understand why.
Store alcohol safely: Lock up alcohol when it’s not being used, and at events, keep alcohol in separate coolers or areas so it’s not easily accessible.
Have open conversations: Talk honestly with your kids about alcohol. Don’t make it a forbidden topic. Explain the risks and how to make responsible choices. According to SAMHSA’s Talk. They Hear You. campaign, “about 88,000 Americans die each year from alcohol-related causes, making it the third leading preventable cause of death in the U.S.”
Why Impaired Driving Is So Dangerous
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a huge problem, leading to thousands of preventable deaths every year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that “every day, about 37 people in the U.S. die in drunk-driving crashes—that’s one person every 39 minutes. In 2022, 13,524 people died in alcohol-related crashes.”
As a parent, you can set the standard by never driving after drinking. Teach your kids how serious and dangerous impaired driving can be.
How to Prevent Impaired Driving
Plan ahead: If you’ll be drinking, have a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service.
Be a responsible host: Offer non-alcoholic drinks and plan for safe rides home for your guests.
Talk to your kids early: Explain the dangers of impaired driving and why it’s important to take responsibility for their actions.
Discuss all substances: Impaired driving isn’t just about alcohol. Teach your kids that driving under the influence of drugs is just as risky.
The Role Parents & Caregivers Play in Preventing Alcohol Problems
Parents and caregivers have a big influence on how their kids think about alcohol. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), “for over 20 years, studies have shown that the younger kids start drinking, the worse the problems they face later in life.”
MADD’s Power of Parents program also highlights that kids’ brains are still growing into their 20s, and alcohol can harm that development.
By being a positive role model, setting clear rules, and having honest conversations, you can help your kids make better decisions about alcohol. Be the hero they look up to and set the kind of example you want them to follow.
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