Underage Drinking

What are your feelings regarding parents who allow their children under the age of 21 to drink? Ex: A 19-year-old on Christmas Eve drinking beer, and an 18 year-old drinking mixed drinks.

Re: Underage Drinking

Cant judge, I did it when I was that age. It depends on the parent and how much they are allowing their child to drink... I would let my teenager in my home drink one or two, but not to the point were they were sick.. and wouldnt let them leave the house once the first sip was sipped.

Re: Underage Drinking

not sure.

not sure if I feel any differently about parents who's children drink with them and parents who's children drink behind their backs.

either way, as long as the kid is responsible, doesn't drive drunk, understands what alcohol and drinking can do...who am I to say.

Re: Underage Drinking

my parents always allowed me to drink wine or even mixed drinks at holidays and a few family functions. I never left their site and I never took advantage of it. To be honest, I think that is why it was never a huge deal to me when I could drink. I had been doing it for years and it wasn't anything special. I knew what a hangover was, and I hated that feeling.

So I guess for me its not a big deal

Re: Underage Drinking

I think it's ridiculous, unnecessary, and irresponsible. It sends a TERRIBLE message to the child! I can't STAND when parents try to be their child's "friend" and not their parent.

Re: Underage Drinking

I think it depends on the context, and the amount. When I was growing up I was always allowed to join in on a little Manischewitz for special occasions and holidays.

But I have personally witnessed families who just pass beer after beer to their teenage children during picnics, bbq's, etc., which, in my opinion, is a little excessive and sets a bad example.

As with everything else, if in moderation, and on rare occasion, I don't think it's a big deal.

Re: Underage Drinking

I was drinking at family parties- in my parents house or my other relatives house- at around 15 years old.
Not getting wasting. Having one drink with my cousins.
I don't see anything wrong with it... as long as you aren't allowing your child to get drunk or drive after drinking.
My opinion- they are going to do it anyway.
And what makes it SUDDENLY ok to drink when you hit 21... that's just a random number anyway.

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like the 18 and 19 year don't already drink?

I don't really rember but I think once we were in college- my parents didn't care about much

Re: Underage Drinking

In moderation, under supervision, and for a special occasion, I'm okay with it.

In excess, just to party, or because they're trying to be the "cool" parent? IMO, not ok.

Re: Underage Drinking

As an observer I don't agree with it at all, under any context (including religion). My sister is 19, in college, I see pictures of her with drinks in her hand. Not cool. It's the law.

I don't drive without a seatbelt on, so even if I don't agree with the law, I still follow it.

Re: Underage Drinking

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I wouldn't do it for my kids. I don't think it's reponsible, but I won't tell people what to do with their own children.

Re: Underage Drinking

I am not sure how I will handle this with my children.

In my house, my parents pretty much didn't let us drink at functions until we were 21. Even then, they stressed drinking in moderation.

I let loose when I went to college, but when I came home for the summer and for holidays, the rules were still the rules.

Re: Underage Drinking

Re: Underage Drinking

I don't think I would allow my children to do it and I think I would be a little uncomfortable being around underage kids drinking at a family function or something like that, but I would be a hypocrit if I judged because I went to college, I've spent many a night with my head in the toilet before I turned 21.

Re: Underage Drinking

Re: Underage Drinking

Posted by kahlua716

Posted by JennZ

Posted by Jenn627

As an observer I don't agree with it at all, under any context (including religion). My sister is 19, in college, I see pictures of her with drinks in her hand. Not cool. It's the law.

I don't drive without a seatbelt on, so even if I don't agree with the law, I still follow it.

OK, to play Devils Advocate. You NEVER had a drink under age, away at school with your girlfriends? NEVER?

Im sorry I think its unrealistic to think a 19 yr old is not going to party with their friends. If they ARE NOT more power to them. But I have NEVER come in contact with one, not even when I was 19.

The only time I did was when I was in mexico. It was legal there I didn't drink before I turned 21.

Re: Underage Drinking

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Feeding your kid as much alcohol as they want just so you can be their friend is wrong in my eyes. Letting a bunch of kids get wasted in your house is wrong. Giving an older teenager a drink or two on a holiday or a family party when everyone is drinking I think I would be okay with, as long as they are not driving anywhere.

Unfortunately, most teenagers do drink. To me, it's more about teaching them to drink responsibly.

Also, I don't understand how an 18 year old is allowed to risk his life fighting a war in another country but can't go into a bar and get a beer in his own country.

Re: Underage Drinking

I didn't know anyone that waited until they were 21 to drink

most people I know didn't even wait until HS

and we are all ok

in most countries it is legal

and I have always felt- if you can vote, go to war, pay for college etc 18

then you should be able to drink

Re: Underage Drinking

I'm not sure. When I was 18 the drinking age was 18. (yes, I'm old).

I think that whatever decision is made parents need to teach their children to drink responsibly, to not drink and drive, and to understand that some things are a privilege not a right, and should be regarded as such.

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Re: Underage Drinking