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 son is too young to understand, but I still wont drink in front of him. I think it is best to get into a good habit. I suppose I should clarify what I mean by drinking in front of him. I will have a ****tail with dinner if we go out, or a glass of wine. But I wont drink several drinks just for the sake of drinking. I think it is important to be upfront and honest with your kids and let them know your expectations. But it is also important to set a good example.

We don't drink a lot but my husband will have one or two beers in the evening and that is the extent of drinking and that doesn't happen everyday. But I have him put it into a glass just so he isn't advertising that he is drinking a beer. Right now my boys are young and I hope to teach them that drinking is not a good thing and is definently not to be done until they are older. I would rather that they don't drink at all though.

I don't drink very much, and I don't get stupid drunk, so when I have a drink or two, my kids are usually ok with it.

We don't do alot of drinking. Maybe a couple of times a year. We don't ever get drunk around our children but we may have one drink in front of them and that is all.

don't do anything infront of your kids that you are either ashamed of or you would not like them to repeat, pretty simple there.

Let me start by saying that here in the US the drinking age is, of course, 21 (legal age I mean). So I do not really believe in drinking in front of your kids. Now a glass of wine here and there with dinner might be one thing but I mean I wouldn't have several beers or mixed drinks or anything.

I think it is ok to have a drink in front of your kids. We have explained that it is an adult drink. Now drinking in excess is not good-for you or for the kids to see.

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 would have to agree that I to feel that a drink or two in front of your kids will not harm them. It really is not any different then the person that comes home and has a glass of wine. But that is not to say that I agree with getting drunk in front of your kids that is a whole other issues that I feel you should not be doing.