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Eek, I know this is an American forum so I might get stick but from our Quebec culture, 13-14 at family celebrations is pretty typical for a bit of wine or a beer. Party drinking isn't done with parents, they do that on their own at 18.
In many states, it is legal to drink with your parents as a minor.
I grew up with wine at dinner...was allowed a glass on special dinners from age 4 or so....around age 12 I was allowed a drink at my parents parties.
My own daughter had no real interest in drinking more than a sip or two until she was 16 or so. Even now she'll only ocassionslly have a drink with us....but she's welcome to. I just don't bet the idea of a magical age...people need to be taught how to drink responsibility. ...and that doesn't happen by forbidding it until one day...BAM...smorgasbord of excess!!
In our state it's legal for bars to serve a minor if they are with their parents...she went out with us early new years eve for a few...we sat at the bar and since it wasn't busy the bartenders were talking to us and answering her questions...they came up with a variation of the days drink special that ended up being very good...but more so it was a step in teaching her drinking etiquette and how to behave at a bar... not just go somewhere to get wasted. Considering she's going to of legal age in a year anyway...it's important.
My dad's family is Canadian/Swiss and it's pretty common in those cultures to let kids have the occasional sip of alcohol. At family parties my dad used to let me have a sip of beer or wine but it wasn't like he was pouring me a glass or giving me my own can. As a teenager I never went crazy with getting drunk, because alcohol wasn't some forbidden thing I used to get one over on my parents. Even to this day I rarely drink.
My dad's family is Canadian/Swiss and it's pretty common in those cultures to let kids have the occasional sip of alcohol. At family parties my dad used to let me have a sip of beer or wine but it wasn't like he was pouring me a glass or giving me my own can. As a teenager I never went crazy with getting drunk, because alcohol wasn't some forbidden thing I used to get one over on my parents. Even to this day I rarely drink.
This exactly. The more taboo and forbidden it is, the greater the chances of overindulgence and binge drinking with friends as a form of rebellion.
In many states, it is legal to drink with your parents as a minor.
It is. And I think it depends on the kid. Mine has no desire (17). It's a personal decision in the home. As far as a kid being out, gotta go with state law, IMO.
I'll probably let mine have a small glass of wine or beer at special meals from about 12/13. Not sure what age kids start going to parties with drinks here, drinking age is 18 so probably 16 or so. I'll allow it if she's sensible with it.
The coffee culture is huge here so I'll probably let her drink coffee once she shows an interest in it. For now she drinks tea.
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