Dads Debate: Teens and Drinking — Should You Drink With Your Kids?

Life of Dad isn’t afraid of talking about the tough issues of parenting because things like drugs, drinking and digital citizenship are exactly the delicate issues that parents of a certain age need help navigating. So what do you say on the issue of drinking with your teenager? Many parents think it’s ok to do it, but only if it’s in moderation, because teens are susceptible to become addicted to any kind of substance, luckily there are new troubled youth treatments available for teens in this situation. 

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Reed Davidson: Growing up my parents let me and my buddies drink at the house. They took and locked up all of our keys. Their philosophy was “we would much rather you drink here than some pasture and then drive home.”

Shane Arder: No. Not at all. I don’t even drink at home with my kids. They should know about alcohol but they’re going to have to grow up and make their own bad decisions. I’m not going to condone underage drinking.

David Few: Everyone saying no & being disgusted with those who allow it, I can guarantee your kids will be drinking it without you knowing, I don’t know one kid In my high school who hadn’t had some alcohol wether thier parents new of In secret.

When mine are older I’ll allow my kids to have some & teach them to be responsible with it, cause if you don’t allow it/make a big deal of them not having some they will no doubt go behind your back & do it.

Natasha Simmer: My mom started letting me drink alcohol (fruity things, wine coolers) at 16 under her supervision. Because it wasn’t kept away like some thing forbidden since Turing 21 i have only drank 5-10 times and i will be 30 in a few months. I prefer non alcohol wine more.

I plan to do the same with my boys around 16. On occasion under supervision.

Ryan Iverson: My dad bought me beer for me and my friends all the time. He always made sure that my friends parents knew about it and we couldn’t drink it anywhere but his house and we weren’t allowed to leave. When my son turns 16 I’ll probably do the same thing with the same rules.

Sandy Lebel: Something else to consider here, a child’s brain has not fully matured and alcohol damages that immature brain. Be the example of what you want your child to be. Booze is no ones friend. Why would you want this for your kid?

Chadrick Weatherly: I don’t drink but if they decide to try it ill teach them about moderation and control. How else are they supposed to learn to drink. As a parent its my job to teach them how to adult. Its stupid to make them wait until they’re 21 and send them out unprepared. You should also warn them about the consequences like having an alcoholic’s nose.

Jigs Tuazon: We drink beers together occasionally to celebrate something, I got two boys but not to the extent of really being drunk.Its fine to share and spend bonding times with your kids.it is very important to teach them how to drink the right way, it’s just something to enjoy about and not the other way around.

Chris Butler: I go back and forth on this one. On one hand it seems ridiculous that at 20 years 364 days it is wrong but a day later it is completely fine. Everything else we teach them we gradually introduce them to it. Driving, staying home alone, going out with friends, dating, we set up barriers and then gradually reduce them as they become more responsible. Why not do the same with alcohol. On the other hand I saw a specialist speak on Addiction Rehabilitation for Young Adults and her argument was that you are giving unspoken permission for them to drink and studies show that the earlier the adolescent brain is introduced to alcohol the more likely there is for addiction. The social acceptance of drinking can often lead to denial of addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, you can get treatment at this residential rehab center in Kaysville.

Where do you stand on the issue of teens and drinking? Share an adult beverage with your kid or ban it until 21? Tell us on Facebook.

Flickr photo by Gregg O’Connell, used under Creative Commons license.