Drinking Ages

I have seen it a lot but never done it as my husband and I don't drink alcohol and don't want to encourage our kids to begin any bad habits. What happens when you get home and your kid wants to illegally drink?

I think only you know your kids best. If you think a small glass of wine with a meal while on vacation would be special treat for your kids why not. It can be a great bonding moment telling your kids you recognize they are responsible young adults and not kids anymore. I think teaching kids about alcohol responsibly is a great thing.

Only beer, wine and cider are legal so don't have G&Ts all round.

Yes it is nothing out of the ordinary, but no one is going to be surprised if they aren't having alcohol either. Don't forget the children could have been legally having the odd drink at home since the age of 5.

Better to have some of your first alcoholic drinks be legal, in an appropriate social setting , and with parents acting as proper role models. Responsible drinking is something that is so important to model and so important to learn. The US doesn't get this very well.

Pam

april,

This should provide all the answers on drinking ages.....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6598867.stm

If your children have been allowed small amounts of beer or wine at home, I'd certainly allow that with a meal at a Pub. Having a drink with dinner under adult supervision may demonstrate responsible drinking habits.

Although it maybe legal to drink non-spirits with a meal, most parents here don't encourage drinking alcohol and therefore would buy a soft drink for those under 18.

It is illegal for under 18s to have alcohol that isn't served with a meal.

In my opinion if they want to try a cider or glass of wine and you are modeling good behavior towards alcohol the kids can learn from you how to behave responsibly. We need more of that In the US.