DH is suggesting we start offering DS (12) wine with meals…..

[NotdeadyetBOING]

Wondered what people think? My gut reaction was - not in a million years. He is still a CHILD. His view is that it won't be long until he'll be off boozing on the sly with mates from school and that I am in denial. My view is that it is illegal and unnecessary. We wouldn't offer him cigarettes because he might one day have the odd crafty fag behind the bike shed. Also worry his younger sibling might then want to join in. Would be interested to hear to canvas some views...

We let DS1 (11) have a sip of beer or wine if he asks when we're drinking it, but I wouldn't be giving it to him at meals just yet. He'll be 12 by Xmas so if he asks I'll probably let him have a small glass of watered down wine with his meal.

I am assuming this is for special occasions, and not every meal? If it's every can I tentatively suggest your dh has an alcohol problem....

If it's an occasional thing, then in all honesty, I doubt it will have an effect either way. Early alcohol for some means the novelty factor has worn off by the time their friends are downing bottles of vodka at parties. On the other had early alcohol for other encourages a lifelong problem.

Most kids won't be affected either way, will still get pissed aged 15 or 16 on a bottle of vodka at parties, and will ultimately end up drinking reasonably sensibly as adults.

I never made it a big deal in my home when my kids would ask for sips of wine or alcohol when they were young. Now that my girls are teens they drink occasionally. Neither daughter gets drunk and I would rather they learn to be responsible with alcohol at home than going to the typical teen parties and getting sloshed.