Don’t be too strict
Many parents believe being strict with their children is the best way to keep them on the straight and narrow path.
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But new research suggests this theory may be misguided.
A study has found strict parents who fail to set down firm rules are more likely to have children who turn to drink and drugs.
It revealed children with authoritarian parents who show little affection are more likely to go off the rails.
However, those whose parents smother them with love are also more likely to smoke cannabis or cigarettes and to drink.
Children least likely to take to drink and drugs are those whose parents are reasonable and set down clear rules but without being overbearing.
The study, which was conducted across six European countries, found firm discipline can be just as bad as a lack of control when it comes to the best way of bringing up a family.
It also showed that British and Spanish children are among the highest users of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis in Europe.
Dr Amador Calafat, of the European Institute of Studies on Prevention, Mallorca, said: ‘Our results support the idea that extremes are not effective, neither authoritarianism nor absence of control and affection.’
She noted different parental approaches are helpful in different scenarios.
For example, when dealing with a child's school performance, those who assert low levels of control are the most effective.
But Dr Calafat said when protecting students from drugs, a good relationship with children was essential.