My partner and I enjoy our drinks—often more than we probably should. We always have beer in the fridge, and after a visit to the local store, there are usually a couple of cases of wine waiting to be opened. Our hard liquor collection? It occupies a shelf in the basement, alongside more than a few that are partially full.
We have two teenage boys who spend a lot of time gaming and hanging out with friends. Recently, a friend of mine asked me where we “lock up our alcohol.” When I told her we keep it on a shelf in the basement, her reaction was one of disbelief. She couldn’t fathom how we could leave alcohol accessible to our teens without supervision. I was taken aback—was I really a negligent parent for not thinking about this? I mean, I’ve had my boys carry the alcohol down to the basement before!
After a moment of panic imagining my kids sneaking a drink, I paused to consider the reality. Would they even be curious enough to try a beer? Would they want to taste the whiskey? (Definitely not the wine; they can barely remember to do their laundry!) But what if they did? What if a friend dared them to take a sip? I could picture the call now: “Your son is drunk and needs a ride home.” Of course, I’d have to admit that the alcohol was ours. I can already imagine the gossip at the next PTA meeting!
Yet, as I reflected on my boys, I realized they’re actually pretty good kids. They get decent grades, respect curfews, and are generally polite. Their friends share the same traits. This doesn’t mean they wouldn’t ever try to sneak a drink, but it does mean I trust them. I trust them to make smart choices and know right from wrong. And honestly, if they did try the whiskey, they’d probably regret it after that first sip!
When they were younger, we didn’t hide knives or lock cabinet doors. I wanted them to learn about boundaries and the importance of making choices. They’ve heard my stories about my teenage misadventures, and while I’m not proud of every decision I made, I learned valuable lessons from them. They understand that their grandparents had the same trust in me that I now extend to them. Making mistakes is part of growing up.
Of course, my boys aren’t perfect. I’m not naïve enough to believe they’ll always make the right choices. But I’m also not the type of parent who feels the need to lock up my alcohol. I want them to understand the risks, and I make it a point to discuss topics like underage drinking and making responsible choices. I expect them to be respectful and honest. I maintain open communication while also setting clear boundaries that they know not to cross. I can only hope they’re listening, and that our alcohol supply remains intact!
For more insights on parenting and the challenges we face, check out this resource on fertility and home insemination. Also, if you’re interested in learning more about at-home insemination kits, CryoBaby is a fantastic authority on the subject. Need more information about fertility insurance? This link provides excellent resources.
In summary, while many might question our decision to leave alcohol accessible, I believe it’s a reflection of the trust we’ve built with our children. It’s about fostering an environment where they can learn and grow, and where open discussions about choices are encouraged.