Many parents rationalize underage drinking and allow their children, and often other children, to consume alcohol in their home. In my previous blog about “party homes,” I mentioned some of the reasons parents do this – and there are plenty: “at least I know where my child is;” “at least they are not in a bar;” “I can watch them so they don’t get out of control;” “I know they are home and not driving”… the list goes on. While many of these parents may be well-intentioned and their reasons may hold some validity, they are still condoning underage alcohol consumption and THAT is sending the wrong message.

Across the United States, from Fort Lauderdale to Fox Crossing, the law states that you must be 21 years of age to consume alcohol. In some states, such as Wisconsin, there is an exception that allows a minor to consume alcohol if accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Simply because the law permits a child to consume alcohol under certain circumstances, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. The age of consumption has been debated for years – 18 or 21? Those on both sides of the debate do agree on one point: only mature adults should be permitted to consume alcohol. Is an 18 year old mature enough to drink responsibly? While the debate goes on, the risks are clear. A number of studies draw a connection between drinking early in life and the risk of developing serious alcohol problems, including alcoholism, later in life. Drinking at a young age can also lead to a variety of other adverse consequences, including risky sexual activity and poor performance in school.

There are also many legal risks for allowing underage consumption in the home. The Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources has created a sobering fact sheet highlighting the hefty penalties for those caught drinking underage.

Parents who condone underage drinking in the home need to realize that this invariably leads to consumption out of the home where all their good intentions not only fly out the window. To reduce the likelihood of your child drinking underage – in and outside of your home – set clear rules against drinking, consistently enforce those rules and monitor your child’s behavior.