Raising sons makes parents drink more.
Parents of sons are more likely to drink
A new study suggests that parents of boys were unhealthier than those of girls as they boozed more often, smoked regularly and ate more junk food.
A study of 20,000 people - using 18 years of family data and questionnaires - revealed that parents of sons consumed 0.7 alcoholic drinks a day compared to 0.6 for mums and dads of girls.
Study author Dr. Nicholas Rohde says the difference could be explained by parents feeling the need to act as role models for their daughters.
Dr. Rohde, from Griffith University in Brisbane, said: "Raising a male child appears to prime toughness, while raising a female child prompts for sensitivity and potentially risk-aversion.
"Parents who have more daughters tend to be physically healthier, linked to a reduced tendency to smoke cigarettes or drink heavily.
"If there is a prejudice or social norm against female smoking or drinking then parents may change their behaviour to ensure their children conform to expectations."