Parents with toddlers
BIRTH TO PRE-SCHOOL (0-6 YEARS)
During the early years, children are like sponges; they learn a lot about how to behave by observing, copying and interacting with their parents, as well as their grandparents, older siblings and other friends and relatives who they are close to.
“If you swear they swear, if you yell they’ll yell, if you smack they’ll smack – essentially they learn from you.” Dr John Irvine, child and family psychologist.
In these formative years, parents have the greatest power to positively influence their child by drinking responsibly and in moderation, because this is when children are learning how to define normal behaviour.
The early years are the time of rapid brain growth. The research is clear that alcohol can damage the brain growth irreparably so we should be careful, consistent and clear that children at this age do not touch alcohol.” Dr John Irvine, child and family psychologist.
Children form their attitudes about drinking long before they ever have a drink themselves; from their most important role model…you.