Research has developed the effects of parental problem-drinking on a child’s health.

Children’s health decreases a lot when there is parental problem-drinking. Not only because these children are more likely to start drinking themselves, but also because they have more stress, behavioural problems and depressions. On the long term we see that these children’s utilization of acute health care services, such as hospitalization and mental health services is a lot higher.

All these factors decrease the labour market outcomes for them.

Leonie Defauw

29-11-2009 om 00:00 geschreven door english2  

Children with drinking parents are less likely to study on higher educational levels.

Research has revealed several reasons for this. First of all these children have to do a lot of the household (or have to take care for their sick parents), so less time can be spend on their studies. Secondly, alcohol abused parents are less interested for their children’s studies and so these children get less support. Another reason is more financial: large amounts are spend on drinking, so there is less to be spend on education for the children.

I think this is an important determinant in the link between drinking parents and children’s labour market outcomes, because nowadays diplomas are very important in the labour market.

 
Leonie Defauw

29-11-2009 om 00:00 geschreven door english2  

If you want to have a good job, your diploma is an important factor. Children of alcoholics often don't finish school at all! The reason for that is the alcohol problem of their parents. Alcoholics don’t care for what their children do, so they don’t get stimulated. The children cannot talk with their parents about issues they’d discussed in school and I haven’t even mentioned the bad language that’s used at home.

So the problem is not that the children aren’t smart enough. There’s nothing wrong with their IQ. They just don’t believe in themselves and they’re anxious because of the lack of encouragement.

Carl Dejonghe

21-11-2009 om 00:00 geschreven door english2  

The labour market is cruel and unscrupulous. Their motto is: “Only the best persons at the best places.” Everyone knows that a potential employer will ask you about your background. He wants you to be assertive, social,... You must have a lot of friends,…  In short, for a good job, you need to have a balanced life.

What to do when your parents drink too much? In that case you probably have none of these characteristics…

Well, the only solution is “talking!” Dare to talk about your problems and you will get the support you need. Especially in group sessions with fellow sufferers.

Carl Dejonghe

21-11-2009 om 00:00 geschreven door english2  

Children of women who use alcohol during their pregnancy are more likely to be depressed during their childhood. This is the result of a study with 41 mothers and their babies.  The researchers tested these babies until they were in elementary school.

Strangely enough, if the mother stops drinking after her delivery and raises her child as it should be, the depression symptoms aren’t any better.

Unfortunately, the research hasn’t been continued until the children enter the labour market, because it’s probably too expensive and time-consuming.

Nevertheless,  it’s certainly a factor that determines the labour market outcomes.

Carl Dejonghe

21-11-2009 om 00:00 geschreven door english2