Should children be allowed to drink alcohol at home?

Liebling:-))) · 05-11-2007, 09:40 AM

Should children be allowed to drink alcohol at home?

Come and discuss...

Quote:

Drink laws 'potentially harmful'

Karen Gardner says children must be educated about alcohol
Charity Alcohol Concern says parents who give alcohol to children under the age of 15 should be prosecuted.

Karen Gardner runs website parentingcafe.co.uk, which gives advice to mums and dads. She believes the law would be unworkable and potentially harmful.

It's patently ridiculous.

Firstly, because it's unenforceable and if you make laws that are unenforceable they are bad laws and they devalue law generally.

Secondly, drinking is part of our national life. It's part of the national life in most European countries in one way or another.

And in the majority of social situations you encounter alcohol.

Vital experience

Parenting is about preparing your children for life.

I've just helped my 11-year-old son open his first bank account. When I get to a road with my four-year-old, I get him to decide when it's safe to cross.

It's the same with alcohol. On your 15th birthday you don't suddenly develop the ability to deal with alcohol, but by the time you're 15 you are going to parties where alcohol is flowing.

It would infantilise parents. It's just silly

Karen Gardner

Send us your comments
If Alcohol Concern got their way, you'd be sending them out with absolutely no experience of drinking at all and they'd go out and sink four vodkas.

The thing that really concerns me about this law is that if it's made illegal, parents will tell kids, 'You can't drink, I'll go to prison'.

Then a child goes out and does drink too much and needs to call home for help, but feels they can't in case they get mum or dad into trouble.

I understand that some teenagers are going out and binge drinking in town centres, but parents who let their kids do that won't care about a law anyway.

All the law would do is stop responsible parents from trying to educate their children.

It would infantilise parents. It's just silly.

Setting limits

Healthy, sensible drinking is about sitting down sharing a nice glass of something with friends or family. It's not about standing up in a noisy pub knocking back alcopops.

I'm not saying press a drink on a child. I certainly wouldn't give alcohol to a four or five-year-old, but if an 11-year-old shows an interest let them have half a glass of wine.

Don't make a big deal of it.

Half the problem with fussy eating is that parents talk about their children's fussy eating in front of the children, and it's the same with alcohol.

If they like it, fine. If they ask for more, just say, 'No, you're only 11, that's your lot.'

On Sunday, we went to a christening and a man who didn't know her age offered my 13-year-old daughter a glass of champagne.

I'm teaching her how to deal with situations - that it's OK to pour a drink down the sink or into a pot plant if you don't want it, and how to know when you've had enough

She looked at me - she likes champagne - and I said, 'Fine, one glass.'

When she'd finished he tried to top her up and I just said, 'No thank you, she's only 13, one's enough.'

I'm teaching her how to deal with situations - that it's OK to pour a drink down the sink or into a pot plant if you don't want it, and how to know when you've had enough.

She's going to get offered drinks because she looks older, so she needs to know how to react.

It's like sex. There's no point pretending teenagers don't have sex - they do. Pretending otherwise just leads to pregnancies and STDs.

You have to face up to these things and tackle them.

BBC NEWS | UK | Drink laws 'potentially harmful'

Foxrac · 05-11-2007, 10:23 AM

I voted no because alcohol would make children to be VERY crazy and wild, even worse than soda.

Cheri · 05-11-2007, 11:55 AM

I voted no.

RedheadGrrl · 05-11-2007, 12:08 PM

I voted no

TFWFalcon · 05-11-2007, 12:13 PM

I voted no

Cane Corso · 05-11-2007, 12:20 PM

It depends what country I am living in. If I'm in England or Germany where drinking age is flexible, I will follow that law. If I am living in the U.S., I wouldn't. I only follow if the law says so.

Reba · 05-11-2007, 12:33 PM

I voted no.

For kids it's not healthy (they can actually die from alcohol poisoning), it's illegal in the U.S., and it sends a wrong message to them.

BTW, please don't pour your drinks into the potted plants; it's not healthy for live plants, and the silk plant pots will stink.

The Highlander · 05-11-2007, 01:26 PM

Website from Europe as I born there. I voted yes. Good for them to learn. I drink when I was very young as under 10, I think and I have no problem with drink for now.

Most of my friends who start drink 18-20 age and out of control. That's how many students drop off from college due drunk too much from party.

You don't see why American have more DUI than Europe?

The Highlander · 05-11-2007, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

I voted no.

For kids it's not healthy (they can actually die from alcohol poisoning), it's illegal in the U.S., and it sends a wrong message to them.

BTW, please don't pour your drinks into the potted plants; it's not healthy for live plants, and the silk plant pots will stink.

Wine is more healthy for your heart. How come I am very healthy since I was kid?

Reba · 05-11-2007, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Highlander

Wine is more healthy for your heart. How come I am very healthy since I was kid?

How do I know why you're healthy? Good genes, healthy lifestyle? I don't know you, and I don't even know how old you are.

I'm 56, I'm healthy, and I don't drink; it doesn't prove anything one way or the other.

We're talking about kids. Even when doctors recommend daily wine for people it's for adults, not kids. No one knows how much alcohol a child's body can safely tolerate. Why take the chance?

TFWFalcon · 05-11-2007, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Highlander

Website from Europe as I born there. I voted yes. Good for them to learn. I drink when I was very young as under 10, I think and I have no problem with drink for now.

Most of my friends who start drink 18-20 age and out of control. That's how many students drop off from college due drunk too much from party.

You don't see why American have more DUI than Europe?

Depond on legal law for DUI. For my home (Minnesota) drive legal below .08 level of alcohol. In your Europe what is legal level?. In USA they have their own states set law level of alcohol limit for drive.

Foxrac · 05-11-2007, 02:12 PM

There's 2 different DUI law on under 21 and over 21.

TFWFalcon · 05-11-2007, 02:30 PM

PacMan...yes right but he ask why American have more DUI than Europe. I was wonder what is legal limit in Europe?. .12 or ???

The Highlander · 05-11-2007, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

How do I know why you're healthy? Good genes, healthy lifestyle? I don't know you, and I don't even know how old you are.

I'm 56, I'm healthy, and I don't drink; it doesn't prove anything one way or the other.

We're talking about kids. Even when doctors recommend daily wine for people it's for adults, not kids. No one knows how much alcohol a child's body can safely tolerate. Why take the chance?

56 is young. I know one who drink all his life and he is 90's. He is very healthy and perfect body.

Depent what kind of drink..Health and poor? Beer is not health and wine is more health. All depends what type of drink. I am 30's

The Highlander · 05-11-2007, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TFWFalcon

Depond on legal law for DUI. For my home (Minnesota) drive legal below .08 level of alcohol. In your Europe what is legal level?. In USA they have their own states set law level of alcohol limit for drive.

No matter.

My country's law is ZERO. Scary?

Foxrac · 05-11-2007, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TFWFalcon

PacMan...yes right but he ask why American have more DUI than Europe. I was wonder what is legal limit in Europe?. .12 or ???

I guess that most part of Europe has more strict law on DUI than USA does.
Driving under the influence - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

TFWFalcon · 05-11-2007, 03:04 PM

I check Link you provide. whoaaaaa few county is harsh strict. One drink bottle of beer can't drive. Oh man.

kurtcs · 05-11-2007, 03:12 PM

Let me say.. My great-grandma drinks wine for MANY years.. She died 106 years old. Wine is GOOD for everyone. My mom let me drink ONE glasses of wine when I started 12 in once a week during weekend only. Being so young is good for learning what the alcohol is all about. When I was 18 to 20 years old. I haven't bothered for having drink alcohol while partying.. Of course, I can see so many teenagers are out of control like being so drunk and etc.. Good thing, I wasn't one of them. That is why I did follow/obey the law and good think I have learned something about the alcohol.. I should thanks to my parents. Anyway, I vote YES but remember not too YOUNG to drink.. Preferrably approx. 12 to 14 years old is ok.

Foxrac · 05-11-2007, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TFWFalcon

I check Link you provide. whoaaaaa few county is harsh strict. One drink bottle of beer can't drive. Oh man.

Well, in long time ago (in before 1980's), USA is used to allowed 18 years old or over to purchase of beer, wine or other alcohol then they changed to 21 years old for many reason.

TFWFalcon · 05-11-2007, 03:18 PM

I agree with you that I was remember that time is 18 years old can buy. I think around ten years ago change from 18 to 21 ages also .10 to .08 in Minnesota. I agree with laws reason to keep people calm down and cool off due too many accidents, caught DUI or DWI, reduce brawl at the bar and etc etc etc so on.

kurtcs · 05-11-2007, 03:21 PM

Exactly, that is how so many 18 years olds are messed up cuz they haven't learn about the alcohol yet.. So that is how they changed from 18 to 21 years old. Really to me, it don't matter. Still it's not working.. Look what happened to Paris Hilton, was that helpful from preventing DUI? No, so many people are involved DUI in the U.S. I wouldn't be surprised whoever being young like 12 to 14 years old that parents let them drink that would be VERY rare to be DUI involved.

Reba · 05-11-2007, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Highlander

56 is young. I know one who drink all his life and he is 90's. He is very healthy and perfect body.

Depent what kind of drink..Health and poor? Beer is not health and wine is more health. All depends what type of drink. I am 30's

So, I'm already 20 healthy years ahead of you!

Maria · 05-11-2007, 04:01 PM

I voted no.

I don't think it is healthy for the kids to drink alcohol.

Cane Corso · 05-11-2007, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Highlander

You don't see why American have more DUI than Europe?

Europeans tend to walk and take transport on the train more than Americans because roads are too narrow there.

Foxrac · 05-11-2007, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maria

I vote no.

I don't think it is healthy for the kids to drink alcohol.

You know that drink alcohol is allowed in UK for 5 years old or over with parent.

How is surprised? According on The Highlander, he said wines are healthly for you.

Cane Corso · 05-11-2007, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TFWFalcon

I was wonder what is legal limit in Europe?. .12 or ???

I don't believe there was any drinking limit because I know that in Sweden and Germany. They usually throw a huge festival where all men would drink a l o t.

A little bit off the point, I am sure this will surprise many Americans. In England, you have to pay for T.V. license or you will not be allowed to own a T.V. They limit on how many T.V. you can have and you can not have more than 5 t.v.

Honestly, the only reason why they didn't get too much DUI is because not all Europeans have cars. They usually walk, ride on a bus, or use a train to the pub. I was in England for six months and I've travelled other countries. I kept telling my American friends not to bring a big suitcase because they will have to carry it everywhere by stairs. (No elevators arent that popular over there as they are here.

View Poll Results: Should children be allowed to drink alcohol at home?
Yes	19	32.76%
No	37	63.79%
Not Sure	2	3.45%
Voters: 58. You may not vote on this poll

05-11-2007, 10:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
Foxrac o_O Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 14,345	I voted no because alcohol would make children to be VERY crazy and wild, even worse than soda. __________________ God bless America

05-11-2007, 11:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
Cheri Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,074	I voted no. __________________

05-11-2007, 12:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
TFWFalcon Patroits is Girls(Patty) Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,095	I voted no __________________

05-11-2007, 12:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
Cane Corso Please Boycott China Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Southwest Posts: 666	It depends what country I am living in. If I'm in England or Germany where drinking age is flexible, I will follow that law. If I am living in the U.S., I wouldn't. I only follow if the law says so. __________________ French Ring http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfBY9X1CaiQ Wow! 100 points in obedience! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYxz9M9TuqI

Today
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05-11-2007, 12:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
RedheadGrrl Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 4,817	I voted no

05-11-2007, 12:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
Reba Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 17,287	I voted no. For kids it's not healthy (they can actually die from alcohol poisoning), it's illegal in the U.S., and it sends a wrong message to them. BTW, please don't pour your drinks into the potted plants; it's not healthy for live plants, and the silk plant pots will stink.

05-11-2007, 01:26 PM	#8 (permalink)
The Highlander Bạnned Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,244	Website from Europe as I born there. I voted yes. Good for them to learn. I drink when I was very young as under 10, I think and I have no problem with drink for now. Most of my friends who start drink 18-20 age and out of control. That's how many students drop off from college due drunk too much from party. You don't see why American have more DUI than Europe?

05-11-2007, 02:12 PM	#12 (permalink)
Foxrac o_O Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 14,345	There's 2 different DUI law on under 21 and over 21. __________________ God bless America

05-11-2007, 02:30 PM	#13 (permalink)
TFWFalcon Patroits is Girls(Patty) Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,095	PacMan...yes right but he ask why American have more DUI than Europe. I was wonder what is legal limit in Europe?. .12 or ??? __________________

05-11-2007, 03:04 PM	#17 (permalink)
TFWFalcon Patroits is Girls(Patty) Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,095	I check Link you provide. whoaaaaa few county is harsh strict. One drink bottle of beer can't drive. Oh man. __________________

05-11-2007, 03:12 PM	#18 (permalink)
kurtcs 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: United States Posts: 326	Let me say.. My great-grandma drinks wine for MANY years.. She died 106 years old. Wine is GOOD for everyone. My mom let me drink ONE glasses of wine when I started 12 in once a week during weekend only. Being so young is good for learning what the alcohol is all about. When I was 18 to 20 years old. I haven't bothered for having drink alcohol while partying.. Of course, I can see so many teenagers are out of control like being so drunk and etc.. Good thing, I wasn't one of them. That is why I did follow/obey the law and good think I have learned something about the alcohol.. I should thanks to my parents. Anyway, I vote YES but remember not too YOUNG to drink.. Preferrably approx. 12 to 14 years old is ok. __________________

05-11-2007, 03:18 PM	#20 (permalink)
TFWFalcon Patroits is Girls(Patty) Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,095	I agree with you that I was remember that time is 18 years old can buy. I think around ten years ago change from 18 to 21 ages also .10 to .08 in Minnesota. I agree with laws reason to keep people calm down and cool off due too many accidents, caught DUI or DWI, reduce brawl at the bar and etc etc etc so on. __________________

05-11-2007, 03:21 PM	#21 (permalink)
kurtcs 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: United States Posts: 326	Exactly, that is how so many 18 years olds are messed up cuz they haven't learn about the alcohol yet.. So that is how they changed from 18 to 21 years old. Really to me, it don't matter. Still it's not working.. Look what happened to Paris Hilton, was that helpful from preventing DUI? No, so many people are involved DUI in the U.S. I wouldn't be surprised whoever being young like 12 to 14 years old that parents let them drink that would be VERY rare to be DUI involved. __________________

05-11-2007, 04:01 PM	#23 (permalink)
Maria My love and I Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: FLORIDA Posts: 8,762	I voted no. I don't think it is healthy for the kids to drink alcohol.

05-11-2007, 04:13 PM	#27 (permalink)
Cane Corso Please Boycott China Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Southwest Posts: 666