Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

16th birthday party & alcohol

38 replies

NewYearSameOldStuff · 03/04/2024 21:16

My DD is turning 16 this week and I have agreed to a small party with 10 of her friends. They’re all pretty sensible kids, none of them are any trouble.
I’ve agreed to get them all domino’s and leave them at home, I’ve said I’ll be home at 11.30pm.
My DD has never really drunk any alcohol and I’m aware they’re all starting to try it, and she’s asked if I can get them some alcohol, my worry was that if I didn’t get them alcohol they would all bring their own and then start mixing which could end badly!
Does anyone have any experience with this kind of thing?

OP posts:
WandaWonder · 03/04/2024 21:35

No chance on this planet would I think this is a good idea, allowing your own child some alcohol ok but seriously no!

TeenLifeMum · 03/04/2024 21:32

It’s normal round here to have a few bottles of beer and cider. Dd thankfully not interested in alcohol so I don’t have to parent this, but at 16 I would allow some and be in the house but another room. I’d also ensure parents knew. I used to camp in friends fields from 14 getting drunk so at 16 I think it’s time to support sensible driving if they want to try it - much better to try in a safe place.

Chatonette · 03/04/2024 21:31

My DC is 15 and if I found out that one of the friends’ parents provided alcohol with their pizza party, I’d be livid.

RhinestoneCowgirl · 03/04/2024 21:30

At 16 we stayed on the premises while DS had his party, didn't provide any booze. We provided a small amount of alcohol at his 17th birthday (beer and cider) and still stayed. He has a summer birthday so they were out in the garden while we hid upstairs.

BlueMum16 · 03/04/2024 21:30

To add: and if I was parent of one of the friends I wouldn't be happy with the arrangement either.

BlueMum16 · 03/04/2024 21:29

It's a no from me.

If you were home and supervising and had permission from the parents I would allow one or two drinks. Not a group of 10, unsupervised, uncontrolled and no ideas of parental permission.

WalkingThroughTreacle · 03/04/2024 21:27

Her friends may be sensible but word has a habit of spreading when teens have a party, so don't rule out the risk of a load of uninviteds crashing. You also can't guarantee that none of her friends won't bring a bottle to supplement your rations. I personally wouldn't leave them to it without an adult around.

TheShellBeach · 03/04/2024 21:26

No chance.
They'll all get blazing drunk and trash your house.

Mumdiva99 · 03/04/2024 21:25

Nah, not at 16. My son is 16 and I've started to worry about this. I know it will come soon....but after GCSE's please. (Fortunately my son isn't that bothered yet.) When you do let them, I would want to be at home.

ComtesseDeSpair · 03/04/2024 21:23

No. It’s one thing if you were going to e.g. let them all have one or two supervised drinks with a meal out; but you’re taking responsibility for them all whilst in your care even if you’ve gone out and there’s always some who can’t handle it / drink too much and end up unwell. And if she can’t be trusted not to sneak alcohol if you don’t buy it, she can’t be trusted to have a party.

Ponoka7 · 03/04/2024 21:22

Are they mixed sex? That makes it problematic unless you know all the parents are ok with them drinking. My girls and her friends would have WKD at that age, but it's the lowering of inhibitions and the issue of consent, under your roof.

Noyesnoyes · 03/04/2024 21:19

It's a no from me!

Popchippps · 03/04/2024 21:18

Are the parents of the kids coming ok with you providing alcohol?

Swipe left for the next trending thread