What age did you allow your kids to have alcohol at parties?

[sushiforever]

Hello. I literally have no idea if or what the usual thing is here so thought should ask the mumsnet community so I'm prepared when the request arrives...! If your teen wants to throw a party at home for their birthday - what age do you think it's acceptable to allow them to drink?! All feedback welcome

At 15 DD can have a small drink with us, but would not allow other children alcohol in our house.

Summer of Y11, so pretty much all kids 16, DD started to take a bottle of cider to a party. We hosted her 17th, and didn't allow alcohol, and pretty certain none was smuggled in, but will provide it next year.

Never.

And she is 19.

Now doesn’t have time to drink. Not does she show any interest in drinking.
Her bf isn’t a drinker. Neither is his family. I don’t drink either

I am in agreement with the US and think our alcohol problem would be lessened if parents didn’t have this need to get children used to alcohol.

Studies have shown that the earlier you drink the more likely you will have an issue with alcohol later in life.

I don't know the answer. We've been quite laid back with our kids. Have allowed DD (15) the odd small glass of wine if we've been having one ourselves. Thought it would stop any future nonsense and develop a healthy relationship with alcohol however only just learned that she's been smuggling vodka to parties and though not hammered, she's been doing this with even younger kids present which I'm livid about. DH and I hardly drink much, enjoy the odd glass of been or wine but certainly never put across the 'it's only fun if there is alcohol involved' image. Clearly this approach hasn't worked.

DS (14) doesn't seem that interested yet.

I would be uncomfortable condoning alcohol for underagers in my presence, especially where other folk's kids are there too.

DS is 15 and the last 2/3 months has started asking to be able to take a bottle of koppaberg cider to parties/bbq's. I wasn't 100% happy but have agreed as long as it's just one bottle and I have checked with the parent that they are happy about it.

DS went to a party last week and I messaged the boys mum earlier in the week. She'd actually decided that she would provide alcohol ( with parents permission) as she'd rather know what they're drinking, which I thought was good.

We were not allowed alcohol ie beer at parties, my parents just used to send me with a 3 litre bottle of sensible Woodpecker 🤣

I have a zero tolerance policy so don't allow any alcohol until they're 18. It's been fine so far, although we've had some parties where other people have arrived completely paralytic.

I wouldn't feel comfortable allowing it in my house for other people's children either.

DD had a small birthday party (7 kids) for a sleepover. She asked if they could have alcohol. I said I was okay with 2 beers or ciders per teen, but would also check that it was okay with the parents (it was). Also said I wasn't going to clear up any sick! They had a great time.

In two years she'll be going to uni and completely free of my influence, so would rather she learned how to handle herself at home in a controlled environment.