Am I a bad parent if I like to smoke marijuana and have a drink?

Question

Not every day or in a large quanity, just every now and then to unwind from stress and never infront of my child. what are the rules?? I feel guilty

Answer 1

Smoking and possessing marijuana is illegal, whether or not you do it in front of your child, it's illegal. As far as drinking, that is legal and as long as your child doesn't see you falling down drunk, there is certainly nothing wrong with have 1 or 2 drinks in front of them. In fact, if you drink in front of your child and do it responsiby, they will learn that you don't have to drink a whole 6 pack to have a good time. My husband and the rest of our family has always drank in front of our children and nieces and nephews, but they have never seen any of us falling down drunk or stupid because of alcohol. They have also never seen us drive after drinking. Sorry, but the marijuana is wrong, wrong, wrong. A beer or two is OK.

Answer 2

Well, having a drink in front of a kid is no biggy, as long as it's just a drink or two. But, yeah, pot is definately a big big deal. It's illegal, whether you agree with that or not. What you do away from your child can effect him/her more than you think. Just be careful, don't get overboard with the stuff.. I mean if you're really going to do it, just make sure you think about your kid. And there are other ways to unwind besides smoking pot. There are also alot of sacrifices you should be willing to make for your child. And you say you'll only do it once and a while? Well just keep in mind that some things, even just a puff are not worth going to jail over.

Answer 3

Hi,
You are NOT a bad person, as long as it was just like you said (& I am sure it is) dont let the marijuana control you or take over your life, dont do it in front of the child & your just a normal human being. Also as long as it stays just manrijuana. I know a lot of great parents who like to do it just to unwind, I think getting drunk is a lot worse because if your drunk, your so uncoordinated & can do worse damage to yourself & or your baby. I hope this helps you. People who dont smoke it will not understand as they wont know how it effects you, dont let people that have never tried it judge you, they think it is a really bad drug like heroin or speed, if you do it in you privacy of your own home when relaxing in front of the TV there is no problem doing that.
Chill out & stop worrying, just by your question it shows your a good parent.

Answer 4

Drinking and smoking pot do not a bad parent make. Granted, smoking pot is illegal, but so is speeding and littering, and a lot of people do those things and are not bad parents.

However, if you feel guilty, maybe you should reconsider whether or not you should make this a habit. Are you feeling guilty because you might get caught? Because you might not be a good example to your kids? Pinpointing why you feel guilty about it might help you determine whether or not this is a problem for you.

My main concern is how your child is being cared for while you're intoxicated. If there is a responsible, sober adult watching them while you're relaxing, than you're already showing signs of good parenting. If you're the one watching your children while you're buzzing, I might feel a little differently.

Also, please make sure that you're not driving or doing anything dangerous while you're intoxicated.

Answer 5

The 'rules' are what you make them.

Obviously, the safety and health of your child is paramount.

However, every parent needs to unwind, and I would be lying if I said I haven't turned to the substances you mentioned to help chill me out, as long as my child's safe and I'm not too inebriated to care for him (or as long as there's a sober caretaker around).

You're probably going to feel guilty no matter what, and it's just part of being a parent - you feel guilty about a million things that you probably shouldn't.

But keep in mind that a happy, healthy and sane parent is going to be the best parent to your child - so don't be too hard on yourself, as long as you keep your child safe and healthy.

Hope that helps.

Answer 6

pot is not cool and you aren't setting a good example for your children. It doesn't matter if you don't do it front of them...it's wrong. I think that drinking responsibly is the way to go. I personally only drink maybe 1 or 2 times a year if that, and trust me I talk to my kids about when, where, and why when its to drinking. The drugs not matter what and where should be zero tolerance. IF you are teaching your kids that drugs are bad, then you are a hypocrite. Follow you instincts on this.

Answer 7

The problem with marijuana in comparison to drinking is that it's illegal to posses, so you run the risk of incarceration or heavy fines that can lead to you not being there for your child. You are a good parent making a bad choice.

Answer 8

I think when you become a parent you have an obligation to teach your children the difference between right and wrong and to set a GOOD example for them. How can you tell your children not to do drugs or drink when you are doing it yourself? If your child finds out they will think you are a hypocrit and if you do it, it must be ok for them to do it.

Answer 9

The drinking isn't bad, as long as it is in moderation, and not around your kid. I don't like to drink around my daughter because it also makes me feel guilty. As for the mj, that is bad. It's illegal and you could get your child taken away for being caught with it. I wouldn't ever want to take that chance.

Answer 10

IF YOU FEEL GUILTY THAT SAYS A LOT.

YOU ARE TO SET AN EXAMPLE FOR YOUR CHILD. HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF THEY WERE DOING IT?? MY UNCLE DID THAT AFTER A LONG DAY AT HIS OFFICE TO JUST UNWIND. HE'S A HARD WORKER! HIS TEENAGE SONS FOUND OUT AND STARTING SMOKING IT ALSO AS WELL AS SELLING IT!!

IF YOU FEEL GUILTY STOP. IT DOESN'T MAKE YOU A BAD PARENT THOUGH.