Parents with children
PRIMARY SCHOOL (7-12 YEARS)
This is a time of learning and change. As your child grows up and goes to school it is important for you to remember that you are still the number one influence on your child’s development.
It’s never too early to start to positively shape your child’s responsible and safe future drinking behaviour.
“Research shows that by delaying the onset of drinking until at least the age of 15 years, the more likely your children will become responsible drinkers in later life.” Dr Andrew Rochford, Accident and Emergency, Sydney Royal North Shore Hospital
“At this age, children no longer blindly accept what parents say, they’re likely to question more and get very upset if our words and actions don’t mesh or make sense.” Dr John Irvine, child and family psychologist.
How you drink will also have a big impact on how your children choose to drink or not drink when they are older. Although they may be many years away from their first drink, they’re absorbing the way you and other influential people in their lives drink and act around alcohol. Children form their attitudes about drinking long before they ever have a drink themselves; from their most important role model…you.
| What you do |
What your children learn |
| Drink to get drunk |
Getting drunk is normal and the best way to have a good time |
| Drink alcohol as a way to relax |
You can’t relax without alcohol |
| Drink alcohol at every social occasion. |
You can’t socialise with friends unless you are drinking |
| Have a go at other people who don’t drink |
There’s something wrong with people who don’t drink alcohol |
| Drink when you are feeling depressed, sad, angry, frustrated or bored |
Alcohol is the answer to life’s problems and difficulties |
| Drink every night |
People should be drinking every day |