Parent Toolkit

Response: I totally get that it would seem that way, especially when they’re super young, but you’d be surprised—kids notice more than we may think! Even when they seem busy doing their own thing, kids are really tuned in. They pick up on little stuff, like how our mood shifts or the routines that go along with drinking. They might not say anything, but they’re watching and learning from us all the time. That’s why what we model early on really sticks with them.

Research: Children’s Introduction to Alcohol Use: Sips and Tastes

Take home message: Kids are watching—and learning from us –much earlier than we may think. Research shows that children as young as 3 to 5 years old can recognize the smell of alcohol and begin to associate it with adult behavior. This early exposure is strongly linked to parental drinking habits and the messages parents send, both directly and indirectly. What we model matters.

Response:
While I get that the intention is to teach balance, studies show that early exposure to adult drinking—especially at social events—normalizes alcohol use. Instead of learning "moderation," kids often learn that drinking is necessary to have fun or relax. Teaching responsibility is more effective when paired with clear messages about delaying alcohol use until adulthood.

Research: Effects of exposure to mother's and father's alcohol use on young children's normative perceptions of alcohol

Take home message: Young children (ages 4–6) notice and internalize their parents' drinking behaviors. The more frequently they see their parents consume alcohol—the more likely they are to associate alcohol with adults, fun, and social situations. This early exposure helps shape their beliefs about alcohol and may influence their future relationship with it, even before they ever take a sip.

In short: kids learn from what they see, and regular exposure to adult drinking—even when it's "responsible"—can normalize alcohol use in their minds.

Response: Honestly, they’re picking up more than we think—even little ones. Research says kids start forming ideas about alcohol way earlier than we expect, sometimes as young as preschool. Even if they don’t totally “get it,” they’re watching and learning from what we do.

Research: Children’s Introduction to Alcohol Use: Sips and Tastes

Take-home message: Kids are watching—and learning from—us much earlier than we might think. Research shows that children as young as 3 to 5 years old can recognize the smell of alcohol and begin to associate it with adult behavior. By the time they're 8 or 10, some have already tasted alcohol—most often in the context of family. This early exposure is strongly linked to parental drinking habits and the messages parents send, both directly and indirectly. What we model matters. Our kids are paying attention.

Response: Yep. It does feel pretty common. Unfortunately what’s typical isn’t always what’s best. Many parents wish there were more alcohol-free options but don’t always say it out loud. When one of us makes the first move, it often gives others permission to do the same and helps create a space that feels safer and more welcoming for everyone.

Research: While there is no data to point to that tracks adult drinking at youth-events, common knowledge tells us that:

• Drinking behavior varies greatly depending on community norms. What may seem acceptable in one environment, may seem extreme in another. 

• Most kid-focused events are during the day where adult drinking tends to be less common. 

• There is currently a decrease in drinking among adults and the non-alcoholic beverage industry is booming.

Take-home message: More Americans are cutting back on alcohol—and not just for Dry January. Nearly half of adults say they’re trying to drink less in 2025, and 1 in 4 aren’t drinking at all. It is becoming more “normal” to have events without alcohol or other drugs - especially for family-friendly activities.