Youth and Alcohol

[pspence]

I grew up drinking wine with meals, not full goblets but wine nonetheless, it wasn't a big deal. I went to a few graduation parties where the parents supplied the kegs, that wasn't a big deal either. I recall that all attending had to have the permission of their parents because of the drinking. I didn't hangout with a wild, thug like crowd, we were all good kids with goals, we weren't the type to be irresponsible fuckups. I think it probably depends on the kids & the parents hosting.

I'd definitely rather a parent tell me if they were going to serve booze at a party. I'd be royally pissed if I found out the parents supplied alcohol and didn't inform the other parents.

We used to always hold parties at places where the parents were away for the weekend (or sneak in our own alcohol). I'm sure there were times that the parents were there and aware of what was going on but no surprise, I don't remember them.

I would do it differently if I had to do it over again. I think my husband and I were too lax but thankfully never had any serious problems. we would turn our heads if we saw them slip one at a cookout or something

I remember annoucing to 17 yr old prom kids "no drinking is allowed But i dont smell the cups" It was unrealistic to think they werent going to drink but i didnt want them flaunting it in our face.

I remember catching one of my kids at 14 sneaking some booze and I gave them a little lecture then blew it off. I would make a much bigger about it today. Research is overwhelming that if you can keep a teen from alcohol until 19 their chances of becoming an alcoholic are drastically reduced. The kids at our house were good kids with goals popular and fun loving. there were quite a few times we came home from being out of town and evidence of partying was in our garbage cans.

My daughters wedding is in 2 wks and liability issues are so huge we have taken out an insurance waiver for that one night for our protection and have a bus/van coming to take any drunks home.