A Dad on our forum: "My Daughter is turning 18 next month. She wants to have beer pong at her party. We've been on vacation where I allowed her to have a few drinks. From time to time I'll let her have a sip. We have also had (many) talks about the dangers of alcohol. My parents absolutely prohibited me from drinking when I was a teenager and in rebellion I drank anyway and it became a long time problem. I don't want to make a "big deal" about it, like my parents did, but I am concerned about the consequences if I decide to let her have the beer pong...both moral and legal... Let's set aside the law for minute and responsibility if someone get injured.
What are your thoughts from a moral perspective on underage drinking?"
Denise's thoughts: "Morally, you may not allow other teens to drink - it's not your right. Are you going to call every parent of each teen who comes to this party and let them in on the fact that they will be allowed to not only drink but drink to access playing games such as beer pong?
You cannot set aside the law for minute and the responsibility if someone gets injured because both are very real. Allowing your daughter to drink in your presence is legal in most states, maybe all? But allowing her to get drunk is child neglect.
Don't go to the other extreme because your parents were too strict. You can still have a great relationship with your daughter, but you have to be her parent, not her friend or you are going to lose her respect. "
Asking our community of parents of teens: Would you let your teen host a party were beer pong was being played? Would you allow your teen to attend a party with that type of drinking? Please share your advice, experiences and opinions in the comments area.




