Father’s day is a time to celebrate the special bond between a father and his children. A father is crucial to a child’s growth and development. Children look to their father’s as role models for positive behaviors.  However, this father’s day it is important to realize that children also model their father’s not so positive behaviors.

One-third of teens have seen one or both of their parents drunk. Compared to teens who have not seen a parent drunk, those who have are:

More than twice as likely to get drunk in a typical month;

                     Three times likelier to have used marijuana; and

                      Three times likelier to have smoked cigarettes. 

Teens’ drinking behavior is associated strongly with how they believe their fathers feel about their drinking.

Compared to teens who believe their father is against them drinking, teens who believe their father is okay with them drinking are two and a half times likelier to get drunk in a typical month.

 Compared to teens who are living with no father in the home, teens who believe their father is okay with them drinking are more than one and a half times likelier to have had a drink.

Five percent of 12- to 15-year old girls and nine percent of 12- to 15-year old boys say their fathers are okay with their drinking.

Thirteen percent of 16- and 17-year old girls say their fathers are okay with their drinking.

Twenty percent of 16- and 17-year old boys say their fathers are okay with their drinking. National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse XIV: Teens and Parents, August 2009.

Let your teen know where you stand.

This summer, talk to your children and tell them that it is not acceptable to drink, smoke cigarettes, or use other drugs. Studies show that teens’ drinking behavior is associated with their father’s attitudes toward drinking. Make it clear where you stand. Also, be aware if you choose to drink, model responsible drinking behaviors for your children.