Study: Some U.K. Moms and Dads Say Drinking Improves Parenting

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According to a recent study by British charity 4Children, research shows drinking in families with small children may be a large and underreported problem. But some parents are saying it makes them better parents.

TIME.com reports:

The study, titled ‘Over the Limit: The Truth about Families and Alcohol’ found that 19% of parents believed that alcohol, far from being detrimental, actually has a positive effect on their parenting skills; 62% of parents think that their drinking behavior has no impact on their family life. This despite the fact that the same study found that 29% of mothers and 30% of their partners drink more than the recommended units of alcohol per week. What’s more, 5% actually increased their drinking during pregnancy — against the recommendations of most doctors — while 8% continued to drink the same amount as before they became pregnant. Only 9% of parents saw a negative impact of drinking or drug use on their family.

“This report demands that we think again about our relationship with alcohol for our families’ sake,” explained Anne Longfield, 4Children Chief Executive, in the report’s press release. “The statistics speak for themselves with consumption of alcohol known to be a major factor in family crisis – from domestic abuse and family conflict to a breakdown in family relationships and the ability to parent.”

What do you think? Is there anything wrong with a daily cocktail or glass of wine?

Source: TIME.com
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