General Chat

Do you allow your children alcohol? Those who say "no" I would say why? In most European countries children have a glass of wine, and don't turn into alcoholists. My children were never refused drink. They could have whatever they wanted. Remember forbidden fruit is always very tempting. Now my youngest daughter doesn't drink at all, my second one will have a glass of wine or liqueur and my son will have a beer now and again. Smoking was something I did refuse. They had savings accounts and if they didn't smoke I would add money to their savings account every month and when they were 21 they could have the lump sum to do whatever they wanted with it. None of them smoked! Now that they are older one of them does smoke, but then it's her problem, but I have not contributed to ill health if that's what happens.

Quite agree with this one Sylvia. My husband and I were both brought up in Salvation Army families and therefore didn't drink. However, this 'rule' did encourage illicit drinking, when members would sneak off down backstreet pubs and were always eating mints. We left 14 years ago when we moved back to the westcountry but even now don't really drink much as we're not used to it:) Have the occasional wine or whatever, but always include our son for the very reason above - if he grows up thinking that an occasional drink is okay, then he's less likely to turn into an alcoholic. He's on permanent medication so knows that he can't have more than a 'taste' and is very sensible about this.

I think there has to be a happy medium. I was allowed as a child, either a small glass of sherry, or a sweet martini & lemonade...mostly lemonade I may add !! LOL ! This was either on a birthday, or at christmas. I felt very grown up at the time even though the drinks were watered down a lot, unbeknown to myself ! Even though drink was not totally forbidden, When I was older & able to buy alcohol for myself when I had the money. I did go a little mad at times, but no more than a lot of teenagers who suddenly have the money & freedom to do as they wish with it ! I have heard of alcoholics who had access & did drink when young, also alcoholics who never touched a drop until grown up. It depends on the person. My 9 year old son asked his dad for a taste of his lager the other week, he was allowed a sip.....verdict...YUK ! we diddnt ban him from having a taste , but then again I would not offer my children wine or whatever on a regular basis. Because as children, I think they have enough growing up to do when the time comes. Elaine x

I only allowed our children a drink at christmas and on a special occation, all my children have a drop to much sometimes just like anyone else, But it is only sometimes, their father is an alcoholic (doesn't drink anymore but still refers to himself as one) so they all know what it can lead to. Two of my nephews (different parents) were allowed to drink a glass when their parents had a drink and know they drink to much. They are going to try it at some point, better with you and not in some park where they could come to harm. Sue

Do I remember BABYCHAM, of course I do. I used to like it too, but over the years tastes - maybe age - have changed; cream sherry and wine etc. are my favourites. I must try a Babycham when I get to England in September, and maybe introduce it to my daughter and her partner!

When I was growing up I was allowed a small sweet sherry with my Mum or a lemonade shandy (Mainly lemonade) at Christmas I was allowed to have a snowball. (Anyone remember them!) My brother also allowed the same things did have a drink problem and is now a complete tee-total. I will drink occasionally and always have a cupboard of drinks and wine/lager in the fridge but very rarely have any.

Oh Babysham, wasnt it lovely. I remember when I was about 14 I had a friend round why my mum was out. And I was showing off as kids do. And found a bottle of Babysham in the back of the cupboard I thought as it was the only bottle I thought mum wouldnt notice. It wasnt till about a year later she was sorting through the cupboard and she was muttering to herself now wheres that gone. It only turned out that the bottle of babysham I drank was about 25 years old and she kept it for that long. She was mad. I think I agree with you all I dont think it does any harm My kids have tasted lager and Wine and they thought it was yukky. None of my family were big drinkers. Now I dont really touch the stuff. I have snowball at christmas and if I go out I drink Bacardi Breezers and I dont go out that often. Mind you I have two older sister that drink a lot of wine and a lot of gin They belong to a caravan club so they are away most weekends drinking yet me and my Younger sister dont really drink. We were never forbidden it and dont want it now. But then why do the two older sister drink heavy. Debbie