I heard an interesting poll on the radio today. Do you believe parents should teach their kids about alcohol responsibility by showing them what it means to drink responsibly at a young age? Meaning, instead of TELLING them about it, SHOW them. Why or why not?
2007-09-28 20:10:13 · 10 answers · asked by munkees81 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
When I heard this, I thought about France. They let children drink wine with meals. They don't have an alcoholism problem like the U.S. does.
2007-09-28 20:25:39 · update #1
I think by showing them, they mean by yourself and your partner drinking responsibly. Put them around an environment where people aren't abusing alcohol, like binge drinking sessions.
I think it is common sense. My children are only 2 years old, and have never seen a drunk person. They know what beer is, as my partner drinks it, but they know babies don't drink it.
You try and show that you can have a good time without being drunk. Talking about it is always good, but monkey see monkey do
2007-09-28 20:26:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Definitely "showing them" as you say is the best bet. Of course, don't let them drink beers at random or get them wino'd out at a family reunion, but a glass here or there at special occasions, a can of beer while camping (maybe?) would probably show them that, hey, it's just another drink and it's not something to be held in so high regard.
At the same time as doing that, rules need to be stricter (like drinking and driving laws, which we might ourselves not be able to change so easily), or punishments for getting totally wasted on a party on a sunday night, right before school, which of course is breaking the state law and can really impede their studies.
So basically you gotta find a good balance.
EDIT:
In response to smoking, I think it's different myself. Smoking is a very harmful habit compared to drinking (at least, if you drink in moderation). And the way you'd show them through drinking is through small encounters here or there, not exaggerating the importance of "waiting until you're legal because it's a poison!", etc. It's probably the same reason teens want to have sex all the time. The whole idea that it's taboo, and that desire to want what you can't have (according to the rules). A lot of people do it just to be defiant which can be a lot more harmful than if they just kinda step into the pool, as opposed to diving head on in a non-lifeguarded area (so to speak).
2007-09-29 03:22:22 · answer #2 · answered by Ultima vyse 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, my friends know how to "drink responsibly" because their parents "showed" them at very young ages. The other week my friend was at a party on the second story of a house "drinking responsibly" and the cops busted it. She wasn't that drunk, but drunk enough. She jumped out the window and completely broke her arm. I think parents should just tell their children what alcohol could do to them, and not show them.
2007-09-29 09:08:03 · answer #3 · answered by Shelbi =) 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Showing them how to drink would not be effective in solving anything. If you are a heavy drinker around your kids though....your kids may be more likely to be heavy drinkers themselves.
It would be best to tell them about what happens when you do drink alcohol, and the things that can happen when you are drunk and have your inhibitions eliminated. Be honest with them, do not water it down. I will be teaching my son about drugs and alcohol starting around age 10 or 11, and will tell him the truth about what can happen and how your life can end up. Teach them what happens when you get addicted and what it can do to your life. Alot of kids lead such sheltered lives, then when they move out of their parents houses they go nuts.
2007-09-29 03:24:15 · answer #4 · answered by Somaesthesia 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I just KNEW that if I ever drank alcohol before aged 21, I'd have my behind beat and I'd be thrown out of the house.
I didn't have my first sip of alcohol until age 21 and even now at 27, I keep it a secret from my parents. lol I only have about a drink or two a year, but I still feel guilty haha
2007-09-29 08:33:53 · answer #5 · answered by Cookie On My Mind 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I dont second that motion. I think the parents should tell their kids not to drink at all. I mean its just like showing them how to smoke or inhale snuff. We should teach them the affects and the causes of drinking and driving and the affects of drugs in general. That would be the smartest thing to do.
2007-09-29 03:21:26 · answer #6 · answered by cmm 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Teach your kids by buying them a 12 pack and make them drink all of it. The next day's hangovers will teach them a lesson.
2007-09-29 03:19:03 · answer #7 · answered by Prosperous Parent 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think just telling them how it effects your body is enough. you don't have to drink in front of them. also just telling them not to drink before you're 21 is the best thing you can do.
2007-09-29 03:15:15 · answer #8 · answered by ladyamethyst83 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
How about just not drinking at all!! Monkey see, monkey do.
2007-09-29 03:23:42 · answer #9 · answered by oh laura 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
well i say that if you get drunk-- to get undrunk before you get behind the wheel, just drink sodapop with caffeine in it and it will bring your drunk level up to a peak, and then drop it down with coffee and then water or just water.
2007-09-29 03:20:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋