Teenagers and Drinking
- July 27, 2008 at 7:49 AM by barbar73069
- 6 Comment(s)
- 62 Total Views
Friday night in our town, the police busted up a drinking party with about 40 middle school kids. Apparently many of the kids were drunk, there was some vandalism done and obviously there were no parents there. This is a pretty common occurrence here although the parties aren't usually as big as this one. So how and what do you teach your kids about drinking?
I think most kids want to fit in, and follow the crowd. I think most of us experimented with drinking when we were younger probably because it is something we were not allowed to do. When you tell kids they can't do something, look out they'll find a way to do it.
I've always tried to take the mystery out of drinking with my girls. They have had wine with dinner or the occasional beer or a gin and tonic on a hot day since they were young. I never made a big deal about it as long as they were at home. As a result my girls have never been involved with the teen drinking parties that are an every weekend occurrence. I'm not sure if they have always avoided those parties because they knew they could drink at home, or if there are other reasons. I just know that it is sad when kids go to these parties, get drunk, cause damage and then end up at the police station.
I'm not saying you should let your kids drink when they are underage however I think if you teach them to drink responsibly and take the mystery out of it, there is less of a chance that they will get involved in situations that are dangerous. Just my thoughts for a Sunday morning. Barb
- Written by barbar73069 on July 27, 2008 at 7:49 AM
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Comments:
Crap! Kids are drinking in Middle School now? WTH! I started drinking Freshman year and everyone told me *I* was young. I agree with you to a point. My Dad was real big on letting us have a drink at home. But I think it's really the circumstances. Dad worked alot, I made it a point to find something to do when I was home alone. Whatever group I hung out with they drank. And hey, feeling left out I drank too. Granted I was smart enough from talking with my dad to not break things or drive. But I still drank. My sister is the opposite. My Dad grilled into her that Drinking is no good. She didn't drink until College (umm 3 years ago?) and she nose-dived. Like hey I just drank a bottle of vodka and now I'm half naked and drunk dialing you snapped. I honestly think it includes your ENTIRE upbringing not just that subject. I intend on letting my daughter drink at home. I also intend on threating my *insta-ass-kick* if I catch her drunk elsewhere. I think it all depends.
Oh, btw, Haven't talked to you in a while! *waves* Hiiiii!
I completely agree, it just depends on how you handle the situation. While my husband and I don't drink often, if either of my girls are *curious* about the taste, I'll let them taste whatever I'm drinking. They have already found that they don't like the taste of most alcohol and I think letting them take small drinks from my glass is leaving a lasting memory of what they don't want to try again.....and I'm ok with that.
~Teri
That is so awesome. I do the same. My girls don't drink a lot, but when they do it is at home where they aren't driving and things are safe.
Drinking in middle school blows me away. Since I never drink at home - only occasionally when I go out I'm not sure on this topic - would I let the kids drink at home occasionally? Something to think about.
I totally agree. When we are up north at our cottage we have a few cocktails and let our 17 yr old daughter have some too. We both drink Malibu and Coke, very mild and it takes a lot to get buzzed. This summer we had her boyfriend up twice and had such nice conversations sitting around the firepit having a couple. I really don't think there is any harm in that. We aren't going anywhere, no driving and we are in our own home. It does take the mystery out of drinking. My daughter knows plenty of college kids who had very strict parents while they lived at home that went totally bizerk once they were away at school.
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I'm not saying you should let your kids drink when they are underage however I think if you teach them to drink responsibly and take the mystery out of it, there is less of a chance that they will get involved in situations that are dangerous. Just my thoughts for a Sunday morning.
Great Post.... I totally agree!!!
twolipstogether Jul. 27, 2008 at 10:10 AM