What is it with these mother's in this town that think they need to be "friends" with their kids instead of parents? Buynig beer for you underage kids? I hope they get more than a fine and a slap on the wrist. Someone could have died!
I think if parents were to supervise their kids while drinking (notice I said theirs, not others) in theirs homes, then there isn't a problem with it. I'm pretty sure the law agrees with that one too. It can be a good way for kids to learn the effects of and experiment with alcohol in a safe environment. Also, if your parents let you do it then it kind of takes away from the 'cool' factor, meaning they could be less likely to in the future.
However, the instance you're referring to is ridiculous and the parent should be held to full accountability for what took place. Even if the parent feels compelled to throw an underage drinking party for their kids, they need to supervise the activities closely to make sure nothing like that would ever happen. Or just not throw underage drinking parties.
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"The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter" -- Winston Churchill
I am not sure a 15 year old has any business drinking anyway. I can promise you this, if my child is at a house that would allow drinking, I would hope that my child would leave, but should they not leave and end up drinking, that parent better be ready for a battle. That is, after my child pays his dues.
All I'm saying is that the odds are against a child making it through high school without drinking are lower than they used to be, so rather than take the risk of them doing it in an uncontrolled environment, it could be better to allow them to do so in a controlled environment that is their own home, with their parents. Probably a lot better of a way for them to find out their limits as far as alcohol tolerance goes, better than going to a party and finding out the hard way at least. Of course everyone has their own views on this, and should parent how they see fit (unless how they see fit is what occurred, of course)
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"The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter" -- Winston Churchill
There is significant evidence that teenage drinking causes developmental and personality changes. It is irresponsible for parents, no matter what the laws say, to permit or encourage drinking under age 18. It is harmful to the kids. It is very much against the law to host, supervise or permit an underage drinking party.
There is significant evidence that teenage drinking causes developmental and personality changes. It is irresponsible for parents, no matter what the laws say, to permit or encourage drinking under age 18. It is harmful to the kids. It is very much against the law to host, supervise or permit an underage drinking party.
The law is the law.
I agree the law is the law. Don't give it to them any where as a matter of fact don't givethem anything that makes them think they are just as responsible as the parents are like cell phones, laptops, debit cars, or even a club like club SAlley downtown.
You're right. But a party implies friends of the kids who are underage which is illegal.
It used to be common for parents to put some wine in the baby's milk to settle them down. It causes brain damage.
Drinking during pregnancy causes fetal alcohol syndrome, which is the most common known cause of mental retardation. It is completely preventable and in my opinion should be punishable.
Underage drinking causes social developmental retardation, that is, kids that grow up with a reduced capacity for social and intellectual growth.
Once their brains stop really growing and developing, alcohol isn't great, but it doesn't have these extreme effects.
So, think about it: That underage beer party they are turning a blind eye towards could affect their kid's ability in their adult years to have a stable family life or decent career. Someone has to be the adult and do the right thing. It has to be the parents. Nobody else will do it.
Do yourselves a favor and look at the future. Do you really want your kid to be living at home at 25 with no job, a wild child and acting like a 15 year old? That is what underage drinking parties will deliver to you.
I guess I must be old fashioned, because my kids tell me that some of their friends are allowed to have their boyfriends spend the night with them WHILE the parents are home. Some of these girls come from families that are well respected in town. I know for a fact on one occasion that this happened, because my daughter called me to come and pick her up. I just don't understand these parents that allow this kind of thing to happen. To me since the girl is under 16, that would be some kind of child endagerment.
Not a sore spot, I'm just not a fan of jumping to conclusions too soon. No animosity was directed towards you Lila (or anyone really for that matter), it's more just general frustration with assumptions being taken overboard. Mainly it was the assumption that because they're staying the night, then they're obviously having sex.
Really I think it's the parents choice on whether or not they should allow it. I wouldn't allow a son/daughter under 18 to ever have a boy/girlfriend spend the night with them in the same room, as far as staying over though, I would be more lenient towards that. Also, what am I supposed to tell twin teenagers (opposite sex, of course) who both want to have friends stay the night? Should it be classified as a crime or make me a terrible parent for allowing them to do so?
On a side note, I know it parts of Kansas where boyfriends/girlfriends can live quite a distance from each other (western KS mainly, where it can sometime be 1-2 hrs apart) it isn't uncommon for one to stay the night at the others house, I imagine mainly for economic and safety reasons.
DQ- why can't I be a Mrs.? wheres the love?
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"The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter" -- Winston Churchill
I understand what you are saying, it is hard especially when you have a son and a daughter close to the same age. There are some people who do allow their daughter/son to have the boyfriend/girlfriend spend the night because their feelings are "they are going to have sex any way". I find that very sad when a parent feels that way towards their child. The same goes for the drinking part. "They are going to drink so they may as well drink at home, it would be safer" and yes I agree to that IF they are at least 18. I feel that if they are old enough to vote and fight for our country they should be able to learn to drink responsibly and I believe responsibility begins at home.
If kids want to smoke/drink/do drugs, we'll do it. We're more inclined to do it if mum and pops say no. Rebellion, y'know?
If parents were more willing to let kids do it at home in moderation and supervised, it's just fine. They do need to set rules though. Too many a time am I sitting in class, doing my work and over-hearing about my class-mate's drunken escapades from the weekend before.
However, nothing will be done to stop teenage drinking. Sitting in a forum talking about how to stop it won't either.
Most likely, yes you are the only teen in here, JaketheHawk. Can't speak for others, but i appreciate your input on issues, especially since it gives me an idea how teens, other than my daughters ideas, think.
Children are a product of there parents. If Parents drink and smoke then the chidren are much more prone to do so. "If dad doesn't have a problem with it, why should I?" Stay involved and communicate openly with that child that is pondering on using or is using drugs or alcohol. Let them know of the dangers of using these items. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Concerned Parent.
It would be a very enlightening experience to see the destructive powers alcohol and drugs have on our small community. Alcohol is a leading contributor to domestic violence and the breakdown of social order. Just tonight we read that a man lost his life and two others seriously injured in what may well be another statistic chalked up to alcohol abuse. You can't go anywhere in Ark City without finding a liquor store. I am not an advocate of prohibition by any means, it is a personal choice for those who are old enough and responsible enough to make an educated decision. However, I do think that people should take a long look around at the atmosphere we are creating for our young people. I know a person that at one point in my life I respected as a leader and role model to youth hosts underage drinking parties. Needless to say I have no respect left for a person who disregards the law and places young people in danger. I would like to see a MADD chapter start here.
