Recent research may prompt parents to reconsider their plans for playoff and Super Bowl parties. A new study reveals that parents who consume alcohol while watching the big game are more inclined to resort to aggressive disciplinary measures with their children compared to those who refrain from drinking.
The study, which was published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, involved 225 parents in central Ohio with children aged between 2 and 12. These parents were asked to document their parenting methods and alcohol consumption three times a day over a two-week period. The timeframe of the study coincided with two special occasions: Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day.
Findings from the study indicated that parents were more prone to raising their voices, using harsh language, or resorting to physical discipline when alcohol was involved in their Super Bowl celebrations, as opposed to a typical day. The researchers noted that these behaviors, while less severe, were more frequent than instances of child abuse or neglect.
Interestingly, such aggressive parenting tendencies were not observed during Valentine’s Day celebrations. The researchers attribute this difference to the unique stressors associated with the Super Bowl, including the pressure of watching the game and hosting gatherings. In contrast, Valentine’s Day typically involves intimate dinners without children, where alcohol consumption is more likely to evoke positive and relaxed emotions.
Lead researcher Bridget Freisthler, Ph.D., a professor of social work, shared that the research team, many of whom are parents themselves, witnessed firsthand how alcohol consumption during events like the Super Bowl could escalate disciplinary actions.
Freisthler highlighted a personal experience at a Super Bowl party where a child inadvertently obstructed the television, triggering heightened reactions from parents fueled by the event’s intensity and alcohol consumption.
The study predominantly included mothers, as recruitment efforts focused on social media platforms and a Facebook group specifically for mothers. While attempts were made to involve fathers, the results are believed to be applicable to both genders.
For parents concerned about the impact of alcohol on their interactions with their children during such events, Freisthler suggests proactive measures such as arranging for a babysitter or creating a separate space with engaging activities for the children.
The study underscores the importance of parents recognizing factors that may predispose them to harsh parenting behaviors and taking steps to foster a positive parenting environment, irrespective of external stressors or alcohol consumption.