Parents Matter
80 percent of children say parents are the leading influence in their decision to drink or not

[December 15, 2014]  LOGAN COUNTY - Parenting isn’t easy. Raising a child to become a productive citizen, while thwarting potential undesirable influences from some peers and social media can sometimes seem like a never ending battle. It is valid for parents to feel like their voice is getting lost. But in reality, your kids are listening.

Studies have shown that parents have a significant influence on young people’s decisions about alcohol consumption. Research has shown parents’ disapproval of youth alcohol use is a significant reason why many students choose not to drink. In fact more than 80% of children say parents are the leading influence in their decision to drink or not.

The prevention department at Chestnut Health Systems, in conjunction with Healthy Communities Partnership, is continuing implementation of a substance-abuse prevention communication campaign encouraging parents in Logan County to talk with their children about the dangers of underage alcohol use.

The campaign provides parents with tips on ways to get the conversation started, and helps remind parents that they really do have one of the largest impacts in their child’s life. Parents will see campaign materials that share this goal through various forms of media throughout the county. Several schools and community groups have partnered with the coalition to help reach parents.

A simple tip is to keep the conversation low-key, and don’t worry about getting everything across in one talk. Many small talks are better. To find other helpful tips visit www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking.

For more information about the campaign, please contact Nadia Klekamp at Chestnut Health Systems at 800-883-2415 or online at chestnut.org/prevention. Funding provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services.

[Nadia Kllekamp, Chestnut Health Systems]