Dad, I Prefer the Shiraz Do Parents Who Serve Teens Beer and Wine at Home Raise Responsible Drinkers?

Melinda Beck:

Parents teach their children how to swim, how to ride a bicycle and how to drive. Should they also teach their teenagers how to drink responsibly?

The volatile issue is seldom discussed at alcohol-awareness programs. But some parents do quietly allow their teens to have wine or beer at home occasionally, figuring that kids who drink in moderation with their family may be less likely to binge on their own.

Many other parents argue that underage drinking of any kind is dangerous and illegal, and that parents who allow it are sending an irresponsible message that could set teens up for alcohol abuse in later years.

U.S. government surveys have started tracking where and how teenagers obtain alcohol--and that at least some of the time, parents are the suppliers.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at March 9, 2011 1:59 AM
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