When I was 12, I was allowed my first glass of wine (watered down) for my brothers 21st. It was special occaision and it went straight to my head.

At 15 I had, had a few glasses watered down IN FRONT of my parents in the past 3 years. It was only for special occaisions, and definately only in front of my parents.

At 16, I got my first experience getting drunk ... it was the worst night of my life and I still don't fully remember what happened. My mum found out and went off the rocker at me! She was disgusted that after everything she had taught me, PEER pressure had won.
Between 16-17 I went behind my parents backs drinking, because they had forbidden it from me.

At 17 I was basically working full time, had an older BF (Alan) and my bestfriend was 18. I hardly touched the drink, until I turned 18 then I drank for about a year and half (Binge on weekends).
Now I hardly touch the stuff (well obviously LOL).

What I am trying to say is... My mum taught me everything about alcohol, the effects it would have on me, the dangers if I was around guys drinking. But by 14-15 I thought I knew it all, but luckily I had my own thoughts.. I thought my friends were cool and their parents were cool because they were allowed to drink, but that didn't make me start drinking. I thank my mum everyday for giving me boundries as to how much I could drink, for teaching me everything she knew.
I have seen so many of my school friends become drop kicks because they started drinking at 14-15. Half of them don't have half what I have now and I dropped out of school!

But, thing is, peer pressue these days is a lot stronger than what it was 7 years ago (For me). 7 Years ago if you didn't drink, you didn't drink. You didn't smoke you didn't smoke. Nowadays, drinking is the BIG thing in all their lives.

Tanya, I know I have caught the ass end of this thread, but I do hope your daughter comes to realise how alcohol is serious. Even 2 drinks at 14 can be enough (especially with the % in them nowadays). I wouldn't be letting my 14-15 yr old drink in front of anyone but ME and ALAN.
I have seen the outcomes first hand of parents that are too lenient on teenage drinking. My MIL let my youngest BIL drink from 14. He was a heavy drinking by 15 and now without a doubt I will see him with a drink in his hand whenever I see him. He rocks up to functions with a can in the hand and a smoke in the other. All because my MIL thought it was OK to let him drink 2-4 drinks a weekend with his mates.

I have pretty strict rules when it comes to alcohol for my future children. If they wish to drink under 18, give me a good enough reason they want to. If they want to drink, they can pay for it them selves (not with pocket money) but by going out and getting a job to pay for it themselves, but then they still have to ASK ME what they CAN drink. And I can guarantee you it won't be spirits. They want responsibilty, they need to earn it.

Some parents are just a little TOO lenient nowadays.