Giving Teens Alcohol is Bullshit!
By 
admin on Jul. 8, 2008.
I’d considered waiting until I was driving through Mississippi again to get a picture of the billboard, but basically it was a public service announcement reminding parents not to host keggers for their kids. But I opted to write this now because I saw a review of a book that seemed to imply that sharing acid with your kids would be even cooler (I’m not going to call out the blogger here, she’s a nice woman and probably misses the whole undertone, I can hope).
I remember a couple of kids from our high school who’s parents would do this. All the kids loved this house on the weekends. Keys went into a fishbowl, the parents sat in the kitchen, they had betamax (yes, that dates me, but at the time it was awesome!), and most importantly, they allowed kids to bring beer. I don’t know if they ever provide any themselves, but that wasn’t the point. To them, they were providing a safe place for their kids to experience alcohol.
But was it really safe? Yes, no one could leave the party until they could convince one of the parents they were sober (they would let you crash on the the living room furniture or floor if need be). And they seemed to be pretty good about it. I didn’t drink at the time (but knowing that there would be girls there, including their daughter, who were made it worth a show) and I often had a hard time convincing them I was okay. It probably took three or four parties before they figured out I wasn’t drinking at all.
What I’ve learned is somewhat troubling. Kids that binge drink are more likely to be adults do the same. And when they’re adults, the parents that threw this party won’t be there to hold their keys. Stats are boring, so I won’t pull them out, but we all know that the laws are being constantly tightened to keep drunk drivers off the streets. And for many of them, that means locking them up. Did teen drinking contribute? Who knows, but they are starting somewhere, do you want it to be at your house?
If your household consists of regular drinkers (even if it is just one or two a night), it is worth having a series of sit downs with the kids. If you’re not doing this, then shame on you. Telling a kid they can’t do something that you do is hypocritical. They’ll try it behind your back. You can be sure of that.
The main point is this, teenagers are already struggling (hormones, changes, learning to drive, etc.). They don’t need the additional challenge of doing all this while under the influence. But you say, “they won’t agree.” And you’d be absolutely right. They’re still kids and they don’t have good judgment. Why trust them to deal with this when they don’t have solid judgment skills yet?
I hear the argument regarding kids going off to Iraq at 18, but can’t have a beer until they are 21. It is a solid argument, but not for drinking. It argues the point, should you be able to enlist in the military before age 21? Granted, some kids are ready, most are not. Which is exactly the same for managing alcohol usage.
Teens in high school are not ready. The parents that host these keggers are causing more harm than good.
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9 Responses to “Giving Teens Alcohol is Bullshit!”
I agree with you 100%! I had a boyfriend in high school years ago, and his father did cocaine with him. That’s insane! At the time I thought it was strange, but as an adult I am outraged. He was only 15.
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By
gina's weight watcher recipes (Who am I?) on Jul 8, 2008
Thats terrible i won’t give any chances with that when they are still teens they’re not suppose to do that,i cant really figure that out why of all the people in the world why? the parents should be responsible to educate them in the right way i wont tolerate that if that will be their means of practicing their freedom i don’t think so.
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By
Netrix (Who am I?) on Jul 9, 2008
I’m not sure if I would qualify that as bullshit. I mean there’s an argument for both sides and the fact it’s against the law does nothing to sway me or offer veracity to the illegitimacy of it; I believe most of the laws in this country regarding illegal or controlled substances - and what one may or may not do with them - are bullshit.
I’m a recovering alcoholic. I would have had the drinks no matter where I went. But had I had parents who *hosted* the party I would definitely not have been in the near-rape situations [for example] I put myself in, in order to flirt with some stranger into buying alcohol.
It’s a moral judgment. And moral judgments aren’t for me to say. What gripes me are the billboards. The government once again telling parents what they can/can’t do in their own household.
My friend from Germany…don’t know if it’s changed but kids grew UP drinking in the household and it wasn’t illegal. Some make the argument for then forming controlled-drinking [non-alcoholic] adults; but then the argument is laid out that alcoholism is learned rather than a weird miswire. [I prove "learned" isn't true because I was a child in a non-regular-drinking household who started seeking it out at age 9.]
So if the billboard or the objective moral implication that parents shouldn’t let kids drink in the house is a fact, then countries other than the US, once again who don’t view this as problematic, are bullshit.
Glad it’s not for me say except to offer my opinion that the government now micromanaging household rules is bullshit.
Samsaras last blog post..Top 7 Drunk and Alcoholic Related Episodes as a Kid
By
Samsara (Who am I?) on Jul 9, 2008
If there was no drinking age, then alcohol wouldn’t be as glamorous to youth as it is right now.
Also, the young that choose to drink would be able to go into bars and other regulated drinking establishments.
More alcoholics came out of the prohibition era and in countries where there is no, or a low, drinking age, alcoholism is less of a problem than it is here.
By
Psycho Solo Diver (Who am I?) on Jul 9, 2008
When we were in High Skool we all wore our Boogie Til Ya PUKE!! TShirts Proudly!!
Bottom Line is Kids are gonna Drink or Experience Trying Alcohol + Drugs* Education is the Best way to let Kids + Adults know about the Dangers of Consuming too much + being Impaired or becoming Addicted + Drug dependent*
We also had a Helluva lotta Fun getting Drunk + Stoned from 16 on up + frankly I wouldn’t trade those daze away*
1 thing for sure if by the time U are 18 + can’t make a Decision on whether or Not to Drink then U sure as Hell ain’t prepared for War!! Thass Stoopidity*
The Drinking Age was 18 here in Ontario Canada I think it’s 19 now - but 21 is nothing but a Fucking Joke - thass the type of Law that is simply bound to be Broken*
It’s called Drinking Responsibly for the Safety of yerself + others* + thee Only Person who can Enforce that Law is U*
Cheers Folks!! Time fer Beers on the Patio this aft!! ;)) Peace*
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By
BillyWarhol (Who am I?) on Jul 9, 2008
I agree. A neighbor across the street had a keg and a call girl for their sons graduation from high school. Yikes.
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Comedy Plus (Who am I?) on Jul 9, 2008
It is amazing how many times this happens even though so many people including parents know how bad it is potentially for their kids. Never-the-less they take the side of being a cool parent and either turn a blind eye or allow the goings on with their terms.
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By
Josh (Who am I?) on Jul 15, 2008
I agree with your post. Parents are supposed to be parents and teach their children to be responsible
not be their friends. It is hard to be a parent, your kids have friends. Be the role model they need. Kids will drink and experiment with drugs on their own. Why help make that decision at an early age?.
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By
ettarose (Who am I?) on Jul 17, 2008
it is a shame that alcohol is being given into the hands of teenagers ,they are the future of the country.
———
ragavendra
Alcohol Rehab
By
ragavendra (Who am I?) on Oct 24, 2008