When I was in middle school, I was invited to a party at the house of the most popular girl in class, Jessica. She was known for her glamorous lifestyle and whispers of a modeling contract. Excited, I donned my trendiest jeans and a stylish jacket, ready to mingle with the elite.
As I arrived, Jessica’s mom welcomed me and led me to their backyard, where I was immediately overwhelmed. Teens lounged by the pool, drinking beer and smoking, leaving me feeling out of my depth. My parents enjoyed a drink here and there but had always kept alcohol away from me. The thought of consuming a full beer — let alone doing so without my parents present — had never crossed my mind.
Fortunately, my parents had instilled in me a safety net: I could call them anytime for a ride home, no questions asked. So, I pretended to feel ill and said my goodbyes. As I waited for my dad, I felt frustrated and let down by the very kids I had idolized. It was a tough lesson for my 14-year-old self.
Now, as a parent of two teenagers, I often reflect on that night with Jessica and her friends. Every time I check in on my kids’ weekend plans, I can’t help but wonder what those parents were thinking. They openly provided alcohol to minors, disregarding the law that has prohibited underage drinking since 1984. Their desire to make their daughter’s friends feel “grown-up” put everyone at risk.
I’m not interested in arguments like “it’s safer under my roof.” Hosting an underage drinking party for someone else’s child is an irresponsible choice — one that I won’t make. If being the “cool” parent means breaking the law, then I proudly accept my role as the “uncool” parent.
While I do want our home to be a safe haven for my children and their friends, I also want it to be a place where laws and boundaries are respected. My responsibility as a parent is to educate my kids about responsible drinking and the importance of obeying laws. Unless a guest is 21 or older, they won’t be served alcohol in my home. No exceptions.
There are strict laws against adults providing alcohol to minors, and the consequences can be severe, including incarceration. I refuse to risk my freedom or my children’s well-being to allow them to appear “cool” to their peers.
Some parents may argue, “But I want my child to learn about alcohol in a safe environment!” or “They’re going to drink anyway, so it might as well be here!” To those parents, I say, “That’s simply not true.” Children learn from observing their parents. Having open conversations about alcohol early on fosters a healthy dialogue. When kids know they can approach their parents with questions, they are more likely to reach out for help when they find themselves in a challenging situation.
Providing alcohol to minors signals that the laws can be disregarded and that such behavior is acceptable. This is a dangerous message, especially when it involves children who aren’t yours. I don’t often judge other parents, but I will judge those who serve alcohol to minors — it’s just reckless.
I have plenty of friends, and I’m not in the parenting business to be my kids’ buddy. My goal is to raise responsible adults. If that means being the party pooper, so be it. I’m confident my children will appreciate my guidance as they grow.
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In summary, as a parent, it’s crucial to maintain a safe environment that respects laws and promotes responsible behavior. Serving alcohol to minors not only undermines these principles but can also have serious legal implications. Prioritizing our children’s safety and well-being should always come first.