Children who fetch or open drinks for adults may be at increased risk for problematic alcohol use
A study from the University of Buffalo suggests that children who perform tasks like fetching or opening drinks for adults may be at a higher risk for early alcohol initiation. Researchers found that such involvement can lead children to perceive that their parents approve of underage drinking.
Why it matters
Understanding the subtle parenting behaviors that influence adolescent substance use is crucial for developing effective preventative health strategies.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Add as preferred source Credit: CC0 Public Domain When tweens and young adolescents bring or pour drinks for adults, they may perceive that their parents approve of underage drinking, increasing the risk of early drinking initiation and later harmful alcohol use. Findings from a new study help clarify that this family practice may have unintended negative consequences. Certain well-intentioned parenting practices, including permitting children to taste alcohol, are strongly linked to later teen drinking—though why and how are not well understood.
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