 FOR FURTHER READINGHow Parents Enhance a Child's Development How Parents Strengthen a Child's Education How Parents Impact a Child's Choices |
Not only is parental support invaluable in encouraging the health and development of a child and nurturing academic excellence, but it can be a literal lifesaver as well. Parents play a vital role in influencing the choices their children make--choices that affect their entire lives.
When it comes to substance abuse and underage drinking, parents are among the strongest preventative measures that exist. "Strong anti-drug attitudes by parents are one of the most powerful influences on our children," says Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson.
In a recent study released by the American Psychiatric Association, researchers found that fewer than 8% of young people whose parents were strongly against the use of marijuana had used an illegal drug in the past month. "But 32% of youths in that age group who said that their parents would not disapprove used an illicit substance in the month previous to the interview," the study concluded.
| "The power of parenting the most potent, least appreciated, and most underutilized resource available in the struggle to raise children free of drug and alcohol abuse." Joseph A. Califano Jr. Former Health Secretary during the Carter administration |
When it comes to keeping kids out of crime, the National Crime Prevention Council says that parents are one of the greatest influences on their children. "As children look to parents for knowledge and guidance, parents can help children develop the skills they need to make positive choices today and for the rest of their lives," the NCPC states on their website.
"Even during the teenage years," the NCPC continues, "when many parents feel they have little influence over their children’s decisions, teens look to them to determine what’s right and wrong. Teens say that their parents are more influential in their decisions than friends, teachers, coaches, and the news media."
The vital child-parent relationship affects even more areas of a child's life than positive decision making. A child's overall health and development, as well as their educational progress, is positively affected by the relationship shared with their parents.
The parental role is an irreplaceable one in a child's life.
SOURCES
Quote by Health and Human Services Secretary Thompson
American Psychiatric Association, "Parents' Antidrug Message Beginning to Pay Off"
"Califano Calls for Fundamental Shift in Attitudes and Policies About Substance Abuse and Addiction" (May 2007)
National Crime Prevention Council
