Teens and alcohol - have you got it right with yours?

[ribba]

I have a nearly 14 year old and this NYE has been the first where I have been aware of discussions re alcohol and some parents providing it for their kids.

I am wondering if you have a teen who has a sensible attitude to drink, how you've cultivated that and what you've done re drinking at home, parties etc? I am a bit horrified that kids in year 9 are drinking but want to think about this realistically and what my boundaries are.

It's a complete no no here (dd1 is 14)

Alcohol would make her life harder not easier, I really can't understand drinking at 14 or under.

I think the concept of forbidden fruit is a myth. I am perfectly prepared for her to go to a party I the next couple of years and drink more than she should have, but why on earth would I want to give her alcohol in the meantime? Luckily she is completely uninterested.

Just an excuse for parents to drink with their kids imo

i was always more concerned about their safety and them being open ( so i could mitigate unsafe circumstances)

So if dd went to a party aged 15 ( shes now 20) i took her and picked her up - knowing full well there was probably beer there.

same with the boys too.

now all three are grown up - and non of them drink very much - i'd like to say it was down to good parenting, but i think they are all just too skint to enjoy their youth :)