What is it?
Parent-based interventions refer to initiatives that lead to stronger parent-child relationships marked by mutual respect, unconditional acceptance, meaningful socializing and clear, honest habits of communication. Parents who maintain strong bonds with children entering college are better able to foster in them positive, responsible alcohol-related attitudes and patterns of use. Constructive conversation that generates welcome dialogue on issues and concerns in this area is beneficial.
For best results, parents need to come across as both happy to endorse their kids having fun and well aware that alcohol use is often (but by no means necessarily) associated with socializing and enjoyment. But they also need to reinforce caution regarding the hazardous use of alcohol and other substances, helping their children optimize pleasurable occasions and avoid harm.
It is vital to help parents acknowledge that life is a learning experience. Sharing their own past mistakes in order to help their kids avoid similar problems may be helpful. But they should be careful not to appear to be trying to live their children’s lives for them. Young students in particular need support in developing independence and maturity regarding many matters, including their use of alcohol.
In short, parents need to be reminded that they cannot make decisions for their adult children, but they can be of influence. In addition to encouraging positive drinking behaviour, they can, if applicable, monitor the financial assistance they provide their children in order to prevent excessive amounts being spent on alcohol.
Level of research support: Some evidence of effectiveness
Why do it?
Impact on students: As parents still have influence over their adult children, candid, caring, empathetic and encouraging communication about drinking issues and healthy living practices can help young first-year students stay on track.
Impact on campus: Parent-student connectedness and value-sharing around alcohol issues can help a campus stay harmonious and reduce the number of problems typically associated with first-year students.
Cost: Costs vary depending on type of product created to communicate intervention tips to parents.
Who is it for?
Who can facilitate it?
How can we implement it?
Develop and disseminate a parent guide
A handbook on student drinking issues and communication on these may help parents both better understand substance-related risks on campus and stay connected to their young adult children who spend time or live on campus.
A postsecondary school could, drawing on available resources, craft their own guide to support such positive interaction between parents and incoming students. Another option would be to subscribe to an existing guide which might involve obligations in publication, research and evaluation of the initiative.
Alternatively, at substantially less cost (but also with much more modest impact), you could issue a letter to parents encouraging them to discuss drinking and related issues with their kids headed for college.
Sources and related material