WHAT STYLE OF PARENT ARE YOU?
PARENTS DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Despite how you may feel sometimes, research shows that parents are an important influence on whether or not their son or daughter chooses to drink alcohol. Kids do care about their parents’ opinions. They tend to respond well to a positive parenting style. In contrast, many studies show that authoritarian, overprotective, and permissive parenting can lead to negative outcomes. The strategies recommended in this pocket guide are compatible with the positive parenting style. To download MADD’s parent handbooks to learn more about parenting styles or to take our online parenting styles quiz, visit madd.org/ powerofparents .
PARENTING STYLE ATTRIBUTE
RESEARCH SHOWS
Compared with all young people who drink illegally, children of authoritarian style parents tend to consume the most dangerously high levels of alcohol. Teens of overprotective parents may not be as likely to drink illegally than teens of authoritarian or permissive, but are more likely to consume alcohol than teens of positive style parents. When they drink illegally, kids of permissive style parents tend to have significantly higher than average blood alcohol levels compared to other underage drinkers. When a child of positive style parents does drink illegally, they tend to consume significantly less alcohol than a child of other parenting styles.
Parent gives orders; “my way or the highway.”
AUTHORITARIAN
Parent stays in control; parent rushes in & teens do not face consequences of actions.
OVERPROTECTIVE
Parent gives in; “kids will be kids.”
PERMISSIVE
Use their authority to strengthen and protect (not control) the teen. Build trust and teach decision making skills.
POSITIVE/ AUTHORITATIVE
THE BOTTOM LINE: Positive parenting strategies can help empower kids to avoid underage drinking.
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What Style of Parent Are You?
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