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SALT LAKE CITY — Parents, if you feel like your teens aren't listening to you about drugs and alcohol, perhaps you should have your kid's friend's parents talk to them about it.
A study published in the archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine says if an adolescent has a friend with an authoritative mother, then that adolescent is 40 percent less likely to drink to the point of drunkenness. Teens are also 38 percent less likely to binge drink, 39 percent less likely to smoke cigarettes and 43 percent less likely to use marijuana if their friend's mom is more hard-nosed than other parents.
The Children's Center Executive Director Dr. Douglas Goldsmith said, "If they have a close friend and if the adolescent looks up to that parent, those are some very important variables."
- 40% less likely to drink to the point of drunkenness
- 38% less likely to binge drink
- 39% less likely to smoke cigarettes
- 43% less likely to use marijuana
Goldsmith says this study makes sense, but only if the teen and their friends respect the authoritative mother. If the group of friends continually bad mouth that parent, they're not likely to listen to them about drugs or alcohol.
Some parents may feel resentful if their teen goes to another adult for advice. But Goldsmith says not to worry.
"We actually know that that's a very natural, normal and healthy part of adolescence is (for kids to) spread their wings and go to other people for health and support," he said.
A very natural, normal and healthy part of adolescence is (for kids to) spread their wings and go to other people for support.
–Dr. Douglas Goldsmith
There are mothers who believe their children will drink no matter what the child is told. So, they allow their teenage children to drink inside their home. They may be known as "the cool mom." But Goldsmith says it's hard for parents to be their child's best friend, despite how much they want to be.
"Adolescents really look toward having more rules than less," he said.
