Did You Know?

Facts for Fathers and Families
Numerous studies indicate that parental attitudes and practice’s related to alcohol are the strongest social influence on children’s use of alcohol and other drugs.1

The role of parents of children ages 8 to 12 is especially important because children in this age group generally have nonuse attitudes and behaviors that can be reinforced.1

As role models, parents or guardians, you may drink alcoholic beverages, smoke, or drink excessive amounts of caffienated coffee or soda, not thinking of these habits as alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use. You can avoid sending your children signals about ATOD abstinence that are inconsistent at best, hypocritical at worst.²

¹ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Prevention Primer. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention . p. 89. 1993.

² Levinthal, Charles F. Drugs, Behavior, and Modern Society. Hofstra University. p. 355-56. 1999.

Father Facts

• Boys show higher rates of aggressive behavior when father is absent.
• Children have higher IQ scores where fathers are more involved.
• Father involvement leads to higher self-esteem in both sons and daughters.
• Children are more motivated to learn when fathers take an active interest in them.

Source: Caltvedt, Eloise. Dads Make a Difference. Iowa State University Extension.