An article by Doctor David J. Hanson entitled “Italian teens frown on binge drinking” supports my theory stating that despite a high alcohol consumption there are fewer alcohol-related problems, a pattern repeated in countries such as Greece, Spain, and places all over the world. Basically, teens are smart about their drinking. For them, alcohol is viewed as neutral and that everyone has two options: abstain from it or drink in moderation and responsibly. Hmm... moderation, now that’s a concept. Lastly, drinking starts early in a safe, supporting environment called home, with parents being role models. Further Dr. Hanson states that teens tend to exclude those that drink to get drunk, cutting them out of their social circle, which is to say pretty extreme.
Pouring your kid glass after glass or you yourself setting a fine example of binge drinking is counterintuitive to the theory. You are the role models, the responsible ones, who learned moderation early on in life, and imparting that wisdom onto your kids might be one of those great lessons they learn from you. So in conclusion, parents drink wine with your children!
Article comments
1 - John Bambenek
ths s th bst pce wrttn n blgcrtcs yt!
2 - Alec
RE: An article published on the website of The Center of Alcohol Marketing and Youth at Georgetown University states that Americans who start to drink before the age of 15 become more dependent on alcohol than those who wait till 21.
I wonder about the reliability of this study. I also wonder why it just focuses on Americans. In the end, a conclusion about the impact of alcohol must be cross cultural.
Apart from this, I have no problem with older children drinking wine with a meal, even if the wine is diluted. I would want them to learn that wine can accompany a meal, and not just exist for someone to drink to excess by itself in order to party or to get drunk. I would also try to emphasize that wine is not some special taboo thing that is kept away from (and thus a temptation to) kids.
3 - Dave
As a fellow Illinois student, I can't help but wonder if your experiences on campus have influenced this view?
I agree wholeheartedly.
4 - Milivoj
This is not a new idea. Many cultures teach their children to drink in moderation, at parties and gatherings and so forth. It works better than the "forbidden fruit" strategy.
5 - Dan
I agree with the authors concept. I think you can go a little deeper, psychologically though.
It kind of boils down to, if you, have a healthy outlook towards drinking. It's going to reflect to them.
If you drink out of need, or always to excess, or sneak drinks, scurry after beer on Sunday morning etc., they're not going to get any good lessons from that.
On the other hand, if you have a comfortable relationship with alchohol, they'll understand without you explaining to them 'acceptable drinking practices'.
In this context you can even expose them to an occasional "binge" session. (not them... you) As long as you have the clarity of mind not to do stupid things in front of them.
The dangers of DUI should be an open topic in the household. Not just from the bodily danger of it, but special emphasis on the potential life ruining, legal facet.
Never drive over the legal limit. (They even have ways to get you when you are under the limit.)
A good rule of thumb to offer your kids: never get snockered in public, and, even if you've just had a couple, defer the driving to anyone in your group who is both capable and willing.
As for embracing the wine connosiuer culture, and transfering that to your kids, I think its a fine idea.
Although, lacking in wine sophistication, I do know a little about beer. And brewed a little. I can appreciate "subtle aroma's" and the like.
I don't know if younger people get it or not. I never did until I was over 30.
Tastes change with age as well, I think.
When I was younger, I used to like those dry white wines. Not that I ever drank a lot of wine anyway.
Now, if I drink wine, I like bolder, wetter, splashes.
Final rule of thumb: don't be a fool, and your kids probably won't fuck up. (easier said than done).
6 - lono
I think the embracing the family model of acceptable drinking is a critically valuable idea. I drank early and often out of some stupid rebellion and independence code. I still drink too much (30 years later).
I think if I drank casually with my family, it wouldn't be so cool to do on the side.
is this making sense?
7 - reggie von woic
I agree.
My parents bought me my legal first beer when i turned 18 (legal age in my country). Somehow now 2 years down the line, it doesn't appeal much to me as it probably would if they were against it.