by Michelle Strozykowski

Created on: January 18, 2008

Wetting your lips, it was called when I was a little 'un. Sneaking a tiny taste of whatever Mum or Dad were drinking, which if I'm honest was virtually unrecognizable in such a minuscule quantity. It is a natural act of curiosity, which if satisfied is hardly likely to lead to alcoholism. Children tend not to like the taste of alcohol anyway, so once they've tried it they'll probably return to their juice quite happily.

There is a huge difference between allowing your child to try a little bit from your glass and allowing them to drink alcohol freely. The former might even help to foster a more sensible approach to alcohol in general. If children are out and out denied the chance to try, they will be forever curious about the 'forbidden fruit'. This is true from a personal perspective, as I remember contemporaries of mine from far stricter households had a tendency to go wild when they finally got their chance. Having been denied the opportunity to grow up with an odd sip here and there, when they reached an age deemed appropriate to make their own decisions they were off the leash and straight into the pub; mixing drinks and indulging in drunken antics that were completely over the top.

It seems like common sense, but unfortunately the two sides of the debate swing to such indefatigable extremes. As with all things, the middle line is the most reasonable perspective. Therefore, yes you should let your child drink alcohol from your glass. Not too much, not all the time, but sensibly and under supervision. As they mature, an awareness of how to handle alcohol on special occasions and at social gatherings will stand them in good stead. If you allow them to experiment within the confines of a loving home, the chances are that they will grow up with a responsible attitude to drinking.

Learn more about this author, Michelle Strozykowski.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.