What do you think of teaching youngsters to drink responsibly?

Question

Theres an item on Yahoo news that says we should encourage our children to drink in moderation and be responsible. Like the continent, we should let kids consume a glass of wine at meal times. This is in an effort to control teenage binge drinking.

I have to say I agree. I have given my daughter beer at christmas (no, not a pint. Just a small glass) because she's been curious, and actually enjoys it. I've also taught her about the effects of alcohol, what it do'es to you when you are drunk. Also how dangerous it can be.

She is also well aware that when she eventually go'es clubbing, she should buy bottles, keep them with her at all times and dance with her thumb over the open neck. To dissuade Mr Rohynol, and the phantom drink snatchers. ha

Seriously though, do you think children could do with abit of parent advice and interaction, since I remember 2 girls died, after drinking a bottle of vodka between them, having no idea that too much could actually poison you?

I was going to go on about peer pressure, but I ran out of space. First answer had the gist of it though.

To Kathy, you have suffered your own demons. Its exactly what I want my daughter to avoid. And the way I'm doing it is to teach her that alcohol is not all it is hyped up to be. Even under peer pressure. I can see your point of view though, and understand.

You had it spot on Ellie.

Drinking alcohol at home is legal from the age of 5, believe it or not. Alcohol is just as legal as smoking cigarettes is. Isn't it an obligation to face the dangers and teach self control, rather than simply hope the inevitable never happens? But also it is every parent's perogative to rear their own children differently, and as they see best.

Mind you, in reference to my last comment, I would absolutely do my utmost to make sure she never ends up a smoker. Myself not being addicted to the filthy weed IS leading by example.

Answer 1

Yes, I saw that article too, and the first thing that sprung to my mind is perhaps we should teach adults first to drink more responsibly. How many 20-somethings do you see on a Fri/Sat night swaying down the street, women with their legs in the air on their arses?

To be perfectly honest though, if the parents won't teach their own kids, then it's down to the state to do it once again... and then we can all bleat on about how much of a big brother society the UK is becoming......

Answer 2

I have two children both have been allowed to have a small glass of wine to toast new year or at other special occasions from an early age.
I am not sure if making drink taboo encourages curiosity and eventually binge drinking. My daughter is 20 and goes out most weekends but has never once come home drunk, my son is 17 and has had a few drinks to celebrate his exam results but at home in a controlled environment, They understand the dangers of binge drinking and are sensible enough to talk to me about these topics.
I think it has to do with your reaction and how you yourself drink in the end, although peer pressure can take over if your not careful, I am fortunate that both of mine have not had a group of friends if thats what you can call them that entice others to do the wrong thing, but I am sure others are not so lucky.

Answer 3

My parents always had wine with the Sunday lunch, and we were always allowed some (in small glasses). In fact, my Mum made wine, and there I was with my tiny little glass turning on the tap (it was in a huge box) filling it to the brim! I was only allowed one by the way. There was always drink at home, but not drunk every day. In fact, my Dad is really mean with the booze at Christmas time! It hasn't turned me into an alcoholic, though I have got drunk on occasion.
It is always up to the individual how much they drink regardless.
Children will always go for the forbidden, and with the crowd, so it not such a good idea to totally strict about alcohol, but keep your eye on their activities.

Answer 4

I think it's a great idea, parents should take a pro-active role in teaching kids about the dangers of alcohol.
The french bring their kids up on wine and no-one bats an eyelid, i do believe that as parents it's our responsibility to inform our kids of all the harmful effects and pleasure that alcohol can bring.
As long as things are done in moderation then where's the harm in letting your kids enjoy alcohol, might help stop a lot of binge drinking and encourage kids to drink socially instead of behind trees in the park.
Forbidden fruit syndrome isn't it, if we talk about it and allow it then they probably wont become so obsessed with it lol

Answer 5

I don't think we should encourage our children to drink at all. I am a recovering addict and my mother let me drink at home when I was young.She said she'd rather me do it there then out on the streets. I drank and did drugs from the time I was 13 to age 28. My mother is also an alcoholic who still drinks. I take my daughter to my NA meetings so she can see what abuse of alcohol and drugs can so to people. How can parents teach their kids to drink. I don't get that at all. Too many teenagers are dying due to accidents while drinking. We have to teach our children the dangers of drinking not how to drink responsible! Drinking at a young age is not responsible at all! It is illegal.

Answer 6

II agree with you I am 21 now and I was taught the effects of alcohol and I never went on a binge drinking spree or anything I am responsible, I don't drink very often unlike most 21 year old kids. I think the reason why is because it doesn't seem like a new privilege or something.

Answer 7

I recently stayed in a town in Italy and was struck how many local kids crowded into the squares at night. The squares were ringed by bars, but none of the kids were drinking, they just chatted and laughed and were very well behaved. I can't imagine a similar scene in the UK. I think the idea of demonstrating sensible drinking to children is vital, but I also think the Brits are genetically predisposed towards alcohol abuse.

Answer 8

The french have the right idea, letting their kids drink wine with them, there is nothing as enticing as forbidden fruit, take away the mystique and it doesn't seem so, have to have, you can't teach teens anything, you're old hat, uncool, you dont know what youre talking about, you can warn and inform, but at the end of the day, they'll succumb to peer pressure and do whatever the hell they want to. They have to gain life experience and make their own mistakes, that's how we all learn.

Answer 9

Your barking up the wrong tree my dear. You are playing with fire. It is not possible or desirable, in this age, to encourage or counsel children to drink 'responsibly'. You tell a child only have 2, it is a fact that when with their friends, they will challenge each other and say lets have 5 drinks.

You should lead by example.

Answer 10

Why would you want your daughter to drink? In your eyes it seems to me like you are promoting alcohol by letting her sample bits and thinking this is okay. No amount is "ok".Have you heard of zero tolerance? Nothing good ever happens when there is alcohol involved. Deaths,motor vehicle accidents,violence,all because of alcohol. I wish they'd outlaw it just like drugs because it is a killer in itself. I am a sober alcoholic for 25 yrs now and thank god my 4 children never saw me back then. I would not allow alcohol into my house and tried telling them of all the negative effects of alchol.