Alcohol

[Bathsheba]

But what I think is that the problem is not solved by either giving teenagers alcohol or banning it. It is solved by a whole range of measures. These include modelling responsible drinking behaviours, and by explaining the harm alcohol can do. But mostly they involve ensuring a child grows up feeling loved and nurtured, so that they don't feel the need to fill a void with drugs. And they also involve teaching a child (and I think this is particularly true of males) how to deal with their emotions and express them, instead of using drugs to escape from them.

Perfectly said Melanie

I also agree Ryn, Coke is a very harmful substance and I never allow my children to drink it.

I'm confident enough in my skills as a parent to continue doing what I am doing regarding the consumption of alcohol in our house. If my 4yo asks for a sip of wine then he can have one. The ammount he has consumed to date would be less than a tablespoon I would say. I think I would rather that than he sneak off behind the couch and drink a whole bottle during our next party (he does actually like the taste BTW). It's not like we even make a fuss when we let him have a taste... and we would never allow him to get drunk I don't like the suggestion that because I allow a sip that I would actively seek to see him drunk.

I'm not going to get hysterical over this issue. And I'm not out to change anyone else's minds about it. I agree with Dee: kids should be allowed to be kids, however I personally do not see the harm in allowing an occassional sip of wine at the table. It is the done thing with most of my European friends and family and I personally have seen MORE alcohol abuse ammongst my Anglo friends and family where it has been turned into a taboo. There are many things I do as an adult that I do not allow my children to do... I am not trying to win a popularity contest and even though I allow a sip of wine at the table I will not being buying alcohol for my DD... EVER! Hmmm, maybe I'll buy her a drink at her 21st LOL

ETA: my 4yo took his first communion recently... I guess he had a sip of red wine then? Or maybe it was just grape juice... i didn't ask.