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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

would you have mentioned this?

39 replies

Rightorwrongtomention · 18/09/2013 16:21

I have name changed for this as I don't want to be outed.
If you were collecting your DCs from school and a parent right next to you in the playground smelt as if they had been drinking a lot of alcohol would you mention it to the teachers? I'm aware that there are medical conditions that can cause this.

OP posts:
Bingdweller · 18/09/2013 16:24

Not enough info to judge really.... If it is a regular event and parent was incoherent or obviously drunk, then yes. Especially if driving. One off and parent walking rather than getting in car to drive then it's a different matter.

QueenofallIsee · 18/09/2013 16:24

I wouldn't - mainly cos I can smell it on myself after only 2 glasses of red (which is not excessive in my view). I would be livid if 1 night out caused a drama with the kids school

runningonwillpower · 18/09/2013 16:25

On its own, I would not mention it, no.

I would mention it if their behaviour was giving me cause for concern.

KellyElly · 18/09/2013 16:25

It depends. If they seem very drunk then maybe, but they may have just been for a glass of wine with a friend just before pick up which would make them smell quite strongly. Unless it was very obvious that they were in no fit state to take care of a child then no I wouldn't if it was the first time I had noticed it.

MrsTerryPratchett · 18/09/2013 16:26

If driving, one time is too many and I would report to the school. If not, keep an eye out and use the information you already know about them to make a reasoned opinion.

OHforDUCKScake · 18/09/2013 16:28

Theres a woman at my sons school who always reeks of alcohol and her and her family practically live at the pub.

However, apart from behavioural problems from the youngest which have been adressed with help from the school, the mum is nice, funny, clean, keen for her kids to do extra activities, her boys are absolutely lovely, clean, neat, and thriving well despite all the pub time.

Im guessing she is a functioning alcoholic.

WilsonFrickett · 18/09/2013 16:28

Nope, could easily have been for lunch and had a glass or two of wine. Wine smells terribly strongly on my breath, even one glass.

If you saw them driving, that's potentially another matter though.

pictish · 18/09/2013 16:28

No. Maybe they'd had a long boozy lunch with a friend?

YouTheCat · 18/09/2013 16:28

If driving, yes.

As a one off, no.

If visibly drunk, yes.

If it's a regular thing, yes.

WilsonFrickett · 18/09/2013 16:29

Sorry, pressed too soon. But if you saw someone you suspect to be drunk driving you should phone the police, not school.

SaucyJack · 18/09/2013 16:29

Last time I checked there was no law against grown adults drinking alcohol, so no.

zatyaballerina · 18/09/2013 16:29

Only if they're drunk or driving under the influence. It's not a school issue if someone is dropping the kids off while smelling a bit from the previous nights few drinks.

DiaryofaHollandParkParent · 18/09/2013 16:30

If they were clearly drunk and falling around then yes. If they just smelled then no. I have been out for work lunches and had a couple of glasses while kids were at primary school but I don't think that makes me incapable. Btw I don't have a car.

WorraLiberty · 18/09/2013 16:31

How can they smell like they drank a lot of alcohol?

Surely one glass of wine/whiskey smells the same as a whole bottle?

Chippednailvarnish · 18/09/2013 16:31

Yes I would, after all if it's just a one off there's nothing to worry about.
And if it isn't school can monitor the situation.

Original poster
Rightorwrongtomention · 18/09/2013 16:32

TBH there isn't anything more to say. Name changing back now so thanks for the replies.

OP posts:
BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack · 18/09/2013 16:33

Well it would depend if they were driving. It's possible they were doing the school run after a nice boozy lunch and if they aren't driving then as long as they are not paralytic then it doesn't really matter.

But if they were driving whilst drunk then I would tell the police as really it isn't anything to do with the school.

WilsonFrickett · 18/09/2013 16:35

Really Chipped? Gosh...

JamieandtheMagicTorch · 18/09/2013 16:36

If they routinely did, yes I would.

MrsTerryPratchett · 18/09/2013 16:38

Good point Wilson duly noted.

littlewhitebag · 18/09/2013 16:43

If driving under the influence I would call the police.

If walking and smelling of alcohol then no. The parent could have been out for lunch or perhaps celebrating something.

JamieandtheMagicTorch · 18/09/2013 16:44

Or what YouTheCat said

MotherofBear · 18/09/2013 16:52

It may not be alcohol. I had a friend who always smelt like she'd been drinking. Turns out it was her perfume!

MikeOxard · 18/09/2013 18:47

YES! On it's own it could be nothing, but over a few weeks, 20 other parents might smell the same, and each of them say nothing to the teacher as it's only a one-off. This is the kind of way children like Daniel Pelka and baby P slip through the net. There is always evidence pointing towards what's going on, but people just keep their one piece of information to themselves, and so nobody sees the whole picture before it's too late.

SaucyJack · 18/09/2013 18:59

Hysterical much MikeOxard?!

Having a drink at lunch, even every week, does not make one a child murderer.

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