Is it ok for parents to get drunk in front of their kids?

[bigkyle]

why is this such a big debate? Whether you like it or not usually your kids will NOT find out about drinking/drugs from their parents first. I do believe in good upbringing but you can only keep them from so much. A mean drunk nobody likes but for this poll to be made seems kind of dumb, I mean.. the kids will grow older and find out anyways

[bubble.tea]

Why are you comparing illegal acts to drinking? If someone chooses to drink it does not make them irresponsible and not productive. You obviously have an issue with drinking and that is fine but you shouldn't look down your nose at others that choose to drink. You need to watch it when you are on the morale high ground pointing out others faults because no one is perfect including me and you.

Point taken, thank you for humbling me.

I would like to point out however, that I was specifically discussing Drinking vis-a-vis Drunk Driving...not in general.

[kcorscadden]

A parent must lead by example.

A parent has no problem at all for ripping their kids for being drunk at a party and acting like an ass. However, if a parent does it, this is ok? If you think that being drunk in front of your kids is ok then you can't rip them when they get drunk too. They are simply just doing what they saw you do and they thought it was ok.

Once a child gets older (into their 20's) it is ok IMO to get drunk, but not stupid drunk. Usually, by that age, you have instilled your values into them and they should understand that you are having a good time. At a young age, this would have a huge influence as they don't yet understand the reason behind it.

Your actions have a HUGE influence on how your kids view you and react in the future. You are basically on stage 24/7, and whether you realize it or not, your kids see or hear everything that you do.

[BlueMax]

I'm against alcoholism and drunkenness. Period. Why a person feels they need to ruin themselves with alcohol to have a good time and "loosen up" is beyond me.

My mom would get drunk and be loud, stupid and obnoxious. When I was in my early 20's and (of course) knew everything, I got drunk on a few occasions. For the most part, I didn't like it. dizziness, losing control of my better judgment and/or barfing later just wasn't fun.

I guess people will always continue to do stupid things. Guys drink beer because society tells them from an early age, "guys drink beer". You have to acquire the taste for it - it's pretty gross stuff, yet guys drink it because a guy who doesn't like beer is just a weeeeeirdoooooo. Herd mentality. Orwell would call it GroupThink.

[Xax]

I have to admit, I'm surprised it took so long for some fool to add their worthless 2 cents to this thread (just thought I'd add that I'm not refering to the previous post, in case anyone got that impression). Overall, I'm glad most people in this thread are sensible. I can't help but feel bad for those kids.

[Canucklehead]

Only thing that stops me from getting drunk in front of the kids is the question "What if something happened and my kids needed me but I was too drunk to respond"? Example: kids hurts themselves and need an ambulance or house is on fire". Ya ya how often does that happen but I would hate for it to happen just once!

[Diamondog]

How do you drink one too many? You either get drunk or you don't. Unless it's your first time getting drunk and you don't know what your tolerance is thats a pretty lame excuse "I just had one too many ooops". You are the example for your children period. Thats not an example I'd want to set for my child even once in a while....Thats the great thing about being an adult, we are supposed to have some control and common sense!

[brute33]

I'm against alcoholism and drunkenness. Period.

Guys drink beer because society tells them from an early age, "guys drink beer". You have to acquire the taste for it - it's pretty gross stuff, yet guys drink it because a guy who doesn't like beer is just a weeeeeirdoooooo. Herd mentality. Orwell would call it GroupThink.

I agree 100%. i'm 32 and i have never liked the taste of beer. When i was a teen and young adult i would drink beer only cause it was cheap and got me drunk but i hated drinking the first few. I do drink wine and make my own batches and also drink hard liquor but i never could enjoy beer.

[synmag]

I'm against alcoholism and drunkenness. Period. Why a person feels they need to ruin themselves with alcohol to have a good time and "loosen up" is beyond me.

My mom would get drunk and be loud, stupid and obnoxious. When I was in my early 20's and (of course) knew everything, I got drunk on a few occasions. For the most part, I didn't like it. dizziness, losing control of my better judgment and/or barfing later just wasn't fun.

I guess people will always continue to do stupid things. Guys drink beer because society tells them from an early age, "guys drink beer". You have to acquire the taste for it - it's pretty gross stuff, yet guys drink it because a guy who doesn't like beer is just a weeeeeirdoooooo. Herd mentality. Orwell would call it GroupThink.

I also agree 100%. However, most people (including me) I think use the term "loosen up" for having a drink or two to help relax and lose some inhibitions (which is fine) instead of "ruin themselves with alcohol"

I wasn't allowed to touch alcohol until well after 14 and I wasn't really interested nor did it make me seek it out elsewhere. I tried beer at a party once and never had more since after a sip or two. I think it's a self esteem thing. I have high self esteem and I was strong enough to not buckle under peer pressure and say I can find better things to do than getting wasted. I've never been drunk but I came close once and I felt bad enough to never want to again. I have been called boring by my coworkers because I don't drink/smoke/do drugs. I don't care and it doesn't bother me.

Given that drinking and getting drunk seems to be the Canadian national pass time I'm actually surprised by the poll results. As for the topic I think it's wrong. Children shouldn't have to see that. But there is nothing I or anyone can do about it. As they say you don't need a license to be a parent. All one can do is avoid these people...if you disagree with it. If you think it's ok....well, join the party.

Cheers.

[D-Roc]

Simply put. If the child is under age in order to legally drink, getting intoxicated is unaccetable as a parent. I would even go so far as if the child is under the age of 16, that you should not drink at all. The only exception should be if both parents are in attendence and only one plans on drinking (not in excess). Since alcohol will impair your judgment how can you properly parent your child while you are drunk or drinking?

[NorthYorker]

usually your kids will NOT find out about drinking/drugs from their parents first.

AFAIR I tried alcohol (dweet bubbly) 1st time at home sometime during elementary school years. Same goes for my wife. It did not make us alcoholics (I think it actually had an opposite effect, alcohol tastes so gross to kids, they'll be turned off for years after every attempt to try it).