I don't think a parent should drink in front of a child but if they do they should explain that this kind of drink is for adults only.

In order to get a teen to understand that drinking can be done responsibly the adult has to drink responsibly. No guzzling 12 cans of beer during the afternoon.

Kids of all ages learn from the parents.

My children are still toddlers. I do not drink at all and my husband might drink a few times a month and certainly not to excess. One of the children things that red grape juice is red wine and so already thinks that he drinks alcohol!

I do not want to make drinking a taboo as I think that may cause the children to want to try it outside of the home and I would much rather it if they would drink under my supervision.

As a child I was allowed a sip of lager or cider when my Dad had one and a tiny bit of Bailey's at Christmas. I never went out drinking with my friends, we just were not interested in doing that sort of thing. I have never been drunk but I am not prudish about drinking and I think as long as people are sensible, healthy and not dependent on alcohol then it is okay to have some from time to time.

I am hoping that I can pass that view on to my children.

Originally Posted by SageMother

I see no harm in drinking in front of kids as long as one isn't plastered. Dealing with alcohol consumption is a learned skill like any other skill. Setting an example of controlled consumption shouldn't be a problem.

I agree with this. I also know of a case where a father of a child has had some unfortunate problems with drinking, and the child's mother has obviously spoken to him about this.

In this case, the result has been that the child was left with the impression that all drinking is bad, and I think that he'll have to deal with that in some way as he ages and is introduced to a variety of social situations.

I just think that the mother's reaction to this has caused a little more confusion in what he'll learn about society.

Sometimes I think we over think things sometimes but can we when it comes to our kids. If you are an alcoholic then I'm sure that would cause a problem for your kids.

Parents must be a good model to their kids because kids are great imitators. If you're showing bad example to them then prepare yourself because they will imitate you especially if you're drinking any alcoholic beverage in front of them. You can drink alcohol in private places to be secure.

To be perfectly honest I am pretty much a T totaller and so is my husband mainly because we believe that people don't need alcohol. We are not completely off drink like some Christian's are, but we do drink in moderation and usually one drink sends me a bit funny because I tend not to drink throughout the year apart from maybe at Christmas. I will not hide a drink from my 2 1/2 year old daughter because I think that says there is something taboo about it. If you do that then surely your child will rebel at a later stage because they will learn that it is wrong to drink. I would never leave alcohol somewhere my daughter could get it, but I would have a drink in front of my daughter. One, that is. I don't think it is right to get drunk in front of your child and I would not get drunk whilst I was looking after Lauretta. If we drink it is usually at Christmas when we get tipsy but, not drunk or when my mum and dad are looking after Lauretta overnight. If you are drunk whilst looking after your child what are you going to do in an emergency or if your child is unwell? That is not being a responsible parent.

Originally Posted by Knish4004

Inspired by the drinking during pregnancy thread, what do you guys think about drinking in front of your kids? I've read that an alarming number of high school students demonstrate psychological problems related to alcohol these days. Of course this isn't entirely because of what they see in the home, but it is almost certainly related. The first place they see alcohol is almost always in the home. On the other hand, not having alcohol in the house kind of makes it seem like the forbidden fruit, and certainly doesn't do much for teaching kids how to enjoy it responsibly. For those with older children, how do you handle alcohol in the house?

My x-husband and I never drank, when we did in front of our children. In fact, I was 32 before I ever saw my father drink in front of me. Somethings your children really do not need in their lives and this is one of them.

My children are still too young (5 years old being the oldest) but I would never drink in the house. Perhaps because I am a woman, I don't know with the men though.
I grew up in a family who never brought anything alcoholic into the house until we were at our teens, and the alcohol was only there during occasions, and it was always branded wine or something similar.