One in three parents have been tipsy in front of their children

30.06.2025 - A new survey shows that 32 percent of parents have consumed alcohol to the point of being affected in situations where their own children were present. The figures are highest among fathers.

Fathers top the statistics: Among men, 36 percent report having been under the influence of alcohol while spending time with their children, compared to 27 percent of women.“It takes less than you think for children to notice that you’ve been drinking,” says Ragnhild Kaski, Secretary General of the alcohol awareness organization Av-og-til.

Summer is peak season for alcohol sales in Norway. Many Norwegians enjoy their holidays with a beer or a glass of wine—often together with family. But the new survey shows that many parents struggle to set limits.

According to the survey, 32 percent of parents say they have been tipsy or affected by alcohol while their children were present. For fathers, this figure rises to 36 percent, compared to 27 percent among mothers. The results come from a recent survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Av-og-til.

“Children quickly notice when adults have been drinking, and can feel uneasy long before there is any obvious drunkenness or disorder. As parents, we need to be aware of this. Otherwise, pleasant summer memories can be spoiled by adults’ alcohol use,” Kaski says.

“A parent’s idea of a good time looks very different to a child”

Kaski warns against letting go too much during the holidays. What adults see as a pleasant atmosphere can feel very different for children.

“After a couple of drinks, we might get a bit louder, our cheeks get redder, and we simply act a bit differently. It might feel harmless to us, but for children, it can be scary or confusing when mum or dad changes,” she explains.

She also points out that children are especially vulnerable during the holidays:“When away from their familiar environment, whether at a party, the family cabin, or visiting friends, children need secure and predictable adults even more.”

Fathers top the list

The survey shows clear gender differences. Among men, 36 percent report having been under the influence while with their children, compared to 27 percent of women.

“Men are generally more liberal in their alcohol consumption, which we see repeatedly in our surveys. At the same time, children are clear in their preferences: They want adults to either not drink at all or limit themselves to one or two glasses. I hope that especially many fathers and grandfathers will keep this in mind this summer,” says Kaski.

About the survey Have you ever been under the influence of alcohol/tipsy in the presence of your own children?

	Total	Men	Women
Number of interviews	1064	528	536
Yes	32%	36%	27%
No	60%	54%	67%
Don’t know	5%	6%	4%
Not relevant	3%	4%	2%
No answer	0%	0%	0%
Total	100%	100%	100%

Ipsos conducted a nationally representative online survey on behalf of Av-og-til with 2,753 respondents in January–March 2025. This specific question was only asked of parents (1,064 respondents).

Ipsos children’s panel Ipsos also asked a representative panel of children and young people aged 8–19 in March 2025:“How many glasses of beer, wine, or spirits do you think adults should drink when they are together with children?”

Number of interviews	857
0 / none	25%
1 glass	22%
2 glasses	22%
3 glasses	11%
4 glasses	3%
5 glasses	1%
6 glasses	0%
More than 6 glasses	1%
Don’t know	14%
No answer	0%
Total	100%

---

Source: Av-og-til