Do you agree with the Continental (Spain/France/Italy) practice of introducing wine (often diluted) to children at a young age? Does this give them a more mature/responsible attitude towards drink in later life and set alcohol in a family/social setting or should any form of alcohol be taboo until adulthood?
2007-02-02 07:58:09 · 15 answers · asked by bearbrain 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Yes, absolutely. It is our duty to encourage RESPONSIBLE drinking, and not tell children that drinking is the sign of being "grown up" or a "big man".
We should also look at ourselves. In front of children, choose a soft drink occasionally because" That's what I fancy today, rather than wine / beer".
Teach that alcohol is a good servant but a very poor master.
2007-02-02 08:02:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think this should be left up to the governent of that country. Also, I feel that if children are drinking wine, diluted or not, and it is legalized in that country that there should still be some regulation following it such as a medical doctor examining the particular child first to render whether or not wine could be beneficial or hazordous to that child. The doctor should also state how much should or should not be distributed to the child.
Personally, I feel that they should never give a child wine or any alcohol for that matter. But concider the scientific studies that small amounts of wine are very beneficial to your health. Doctors could recommend portions of wine for children with medical problems that wine can be a benefit to. They should also watch out for those children whom wine can be fatal at even low portions. Children cannot effectively choose what is wrong or right for themselves at young ages. The best effect of all, and after following the above instruction would be to allow the parent to take this risk themselves if it is legal. If anything should happen to the child due to consumption of alcohol, the parent should accept the responsibility as well as a punishment for it. But what is this to say to the kids? Are they putting their lives in their parents hands? But then again, no matter what the topic, they do that everyday anyway.
2007-02-02 16:09:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the "continental" view. Compare the rate of death by alcohol poisoning in the different regions.
Also, making it so only people of a certain age can drink encourages a connection between that age and alcohol. The result is, if a child wants to be like an adult they will see alcohol as a way to achieve this.
Although I believe that you would need to change our entire culture to achieve the same result, not just you and your family.
2007-02-02 16:03:10 · answer #3 · answered by ottomated420 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the consumption of alcohol in other countries is not like it is in the US. Though it can be abused the same, it is seen as more of a taboo here in the states then in europe. so thus, with that brings the rebel in teenagers out which gives a bad anything to any idea of someone under 21 drinking. alcohol should be for the responsible, below or above 21.
2007-02-02 16:01:34 · answer #4 · answered by colera667 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wine is not to be underestimated it can turn you into a alcoholic just like anything lese. But wine is good for a lot of things in young people… helps them sleep, relax and allow them to feel trusted.
Still this needs to be controlled and supervised and Moderation comes to mind
2007-02-02 16:03:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd have wine with my parents occasionally when I was like 10. I'm 18 now and I still have wine with them, 1-2 time a week. I lived in Germany though.
2007-02-02 16:02:11 · answer #6 · answered by ♀♥♂☮Trippy Hippie☮♂♥♀ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
taboos are soo apealing to the young. how many things did you do as a kid just because you weren't supposed to do it? I like the idea of not making a big deal out of alcohol - unless alcoholism runs in the family.
2007-02-02 16:04:23 · answer #7 · answered by Gabrielle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I do agree with it because if its available to them there's no reason for them to try so hard to get it. Its like forbidden fruit here in the US. Look at the numbers of teenage related deaths with alcohol here and in France. Its much higher here.
2007-02-02 16:01:44 · answer #8 · answered by Laura 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's culturing acceptable in many European countries.
Maybe if we didn't act like having a bit of wine was so off-limits our children wouldn't be teen-age drinkers secretly.
Everything is a trade-off.
2007-02-02 16:03:15 · answer #9 · answered by daljack -a girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the more the US demonizes sex, alcohol and guns, the more quickly kids will be drawn to them.
2007-02-02 16:01:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋