I don`t think it makes a difference

[beenthere]

I grew up with and alcoholic father. I am not a big drinker. I know friends that had sober homes and they ended up big time drinkers. I think it all depends on who your friends are and how much influence they have on you. What do you all think? Do the parents influence more than your friends?

[Cascadia]

As with most things, the end result is a very complex interaction between variables. In general, a more stable, supportive home results in children who are more stable, but there are a lot of other things to consider - for example, does the child have supportive friends? Do they participate in social activities frequently? Are they generally content?

[lotus]

Originally Posted by beenthere

I grew up with and alcoholic father. I am not a big drinker. I know friends that had sober homes and they ended up big time drinkers. I think it all depends on who your friends are and how much influence they have on you. What do you all think? Do the parents influence more than your friends?

It depends on the total environment and how the children perceive things. Some children who become disgusted with their alcoholic fathers develop a dislike for drinking and some who perceive it as a way out of a problem become weak and turn to alcohol when faced with challenges.

[DocMon]

Originally Posted by beenthere

I grew up with and alcoholic father. I am not a big drinker. I know friends that had sober homes and they ended up big time drinkers. I think it all depends on who your friends are and how much influence they have on you. What do you all think? Do the parents influence more than your friends?

This is a great discussion. I just hope that it's posted correctly in the alcohol forums.

For my part, I do think that both parents and friends exert some degree of influence on a person. But always remember that parents have that influence first. So as a parent, you should be very careful at how you handle your kids, because it will largely determine how they will see you and emulate you in the long run.

[DocMon]

Originally Posted by Cascadia

As with most things, the end result is a very complex interaction between variables. In general, a more stable, supportive home results in children who are more stable, but there are a lot of other things to consider - for example, does the child have supportive friends? Do they participate in social activities frequently? Are they generally content?

Yes, I agree, it's a mix of nurture and nature really. I firmly believe that if a parent teaches a child and brings him up right, he will have afirm set of values that will help him weather peer pressure.

[DocMon]

Originally Posted by lotus

It depends on the total environment and how the children perceive things. Some children who become disgusted with their alcoholic fathers develop a dislike for drinking and some who perceive it as a way out of a problem become weak and turn to alcohol when faced with challenges.

Hmmn... it really depends. Some children emulate their parents even the bad things they do. Some hate their parents and vow not to do what they are doing...