by Melissa Werkema

Created on: June 17, 2009

Consuming alcohol, and the responsibilities that arise from it, are just one of several controversial topics around that inevitably falls into the hands of parenting. Just this word alone can evoke memoirs of an alcoholic struggling with addictions, loved ones lost to drunk drivers, or emotional disconnection with friends and family. Alcohol use around children, and how it can have adverse/inverse effects on them, strongly depends on the environment and morals in which families decide to live.

Children have a strong sense of intuition, and can interpret things for the good or bad fairly well. They are gifted in the sense that, if a couple is arguing, they either vocally speak up asking them to stop, or go completely silent. Just as they sense something is wrong in this case, so would be the same if they were to witness the constant use of alcohol, and the difference it could make in the characteristics of their parents. Alcohol use that is prevalent inside a home has crossed the boundary of teaching the child how to drink responsibly.

Families who choose not to serve or drink alcohol in their household will probably have the most explaining to do with their children. This situation can branch out into two categories: one being the responsibility on the child to learn and understand the reasoning from their parents, or they may choose not to listen, and get talked into drinking through curiosity or peer pressure with friends. The largest factor here is confusion between rights and beliefs set out by the parents of how much alcohol, or even any at all, is appropriate. Children should feel comfortable in telling their parents about places or parties they have gone to with their friends where alcohol was present. In saying this, homes that maintain a no-use policy of alcohol may impact the overall decisions and outcomes with the child in a negative way.

Eliminating these two instances leaves the household that consumes alcohol on a social basis as the last option. If drinking alcohol on a social basis, it is best to offer your child at no younger than 16 a sip, with no pressure involved. By offering alcohol on the odd occasion, and explaining the impacts it can have on people, it makes the child aware and less prone to succumb to peer pressure at college/university or parties. It is the understanding of things that causes us to make clear and mature choices.

Learn more about this author, Melissa Werkema.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.