I’m a guest contributor today at The Homeschool Post!
I’m talking about my biggest homeschool challenge. Come and see me!
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But, first…today’s topic!
Do you drink in front of your kids?
I have to admit that my opinions on this topic have gone through many different stages. I have been on both sides of extremes. There have been times that I’ve been very careful not to drink in front of them at all to, now, not being so paranoid. I will now openly have a drink or two in front of the kids.
I don’t want to completely shelter them, and I’d like them to learn you can drink responsibly as an adult. But, on the other hand I don’t want them to think that alcohol is something to be taken lightly.
It’s also something that I’m thinking more about now that I have a teenager in the home. My 7 year old honestly doesn’t pay any attention to me. He thinks that beer is for “dad”, and I’m not sure if he realizes mom likes a beer sometimes too.
But, my oldest? He’s almost 14 years old.
He sees me with a drink every now and then, and I wonder, is that OK? Will that promote underage drinking? Will he think I’m a big lush? Does he even pay attention to me? Sigh…
It’s just a whole new ball game raising teens, and drinking in front of the kids is a topic I go back and forth with. I’m curious to hear from other parents on this topic. What do you think is right? What boundaries do you set in home about drinking?
How do you handle the topic of underage drinking with your teen children?
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I do drink in front of my kids. Do I get drunk in front of my kids? No. My thought is this: I think it is important to show that alcohol isn’t for getting rip roaring drunk but can be enjoyed responsibly. We talk all the time about drinking underage and how I disapprove of it. I am not so naive to think that they won’t try it or drink in college but I am hoping that I am setting an example of how not to abuse it. Plus, I tell them all the time that I am an adult and that gives me the right to do things that they as children or teens can’t (drive, buy a house and so on).
AnnMarie recently posted..I Don’t Wanna…
Twitter: themommymess
says:
This is how I feel about it too. I’d rather they see me drinking responsibly than never me see with a drink at all. I think that (I hope) they will learn fro our example and know how to handle that responsibility when it comes time for them to face it.
Adrienne recently posted..Do you drink in front of your kids?
I’ve been having a glass of wine in front of my little one since I was permitted to drink again. Granted, she’s only 18 months, but she know that the ‘special glasses’ are for Mommy only (she calls it ‘Mommy’s Water). As I was growing up my parents were very open about drinking and its effects with me. I remember after one particularly long night out, my Mom was less then happy about being hung over – she kept telling me that the bourbon fairies are mean little buggers. Of course, I was 16 at the time and had absolutely no interest in feeling like that the next day. Didn’t drink till I was 18 (legal age in Australia) – not sure if it had anything to do with my folks or with the numerous parties I had gone too and seen friends in a ‘less than spectacular’ light.
Twitter: themommymess
says:
It definitely helps to see the ugly side of friends making the wrong choice. Unfortunately, when I was young I did not learn from their lessons, but always had to see for myself. My parents drank openly in front of us when we were growing up, but there was never any conversation or education to accompany the drinking. I think that’s important.
When I was growing up, there was never any alcohol in the house, to the point I thought people who had even one beer were going to be wasted and turn into evil devils. It was ridiculous. I drink in front of my daughter, in front of the neighbor kids, whatever. I don’t get drunk in front of them. I think getting drunk in front of kids scares them (not to mention impairing the parent from parenting). Drinking in front of kids shouldn’t mean anything other than it’s something that adults can do that kids can’t, just like drinking coffee or voting.
Twitter: themommymess
says:
Yes, that’s more my attitude these days. I like the matter-of-fact analogies you offered too. Some things adults do and kids can’t. Period!
I was so paranoid for a long time about this. WE have alcoholism within our immediate family and it was always something I was fearful about it. But, I think equipping them with knowledge is powerful. They won’t get that if they’re not exposed to responsible examples.
I grew up with parents that didn’t drink at all, and my mother tried her best to make all of us kids paranoid that taking even one sip of beer or wine would turn us into raging alcoholics. I had to learn on my own how to drink responsibly. My husband and I do drink in front of our kids.Our oldest is about to become a teenager, but I feel that seeing us have a glass of wine or two will set a good example for him that you don’t have to overdo it. I know they’re all going to try drinking at some point when they’re older, so I’d rather they learn from our example, and not just from drunken kids at parties.
Patricia P recently posted..Challenge Them to Learn
Twitter: themommymess
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I agree. I think it’s important that they see what drinking responsibly looks like. I’d rather they learn from us and not be overly curious from lack of exposure.