What to do if your child's friends' parents have different rules about alcohol to you
Every family is different. When it comes to alcohol, there are no two families who will have exactly the same views – in fact, parents in the same household can have very different opinions on the subject.
Some parents believe that providing alcohol with a meal in a family setting is appropriate, others supply their teenager with a couple of bottles to take to a teenage party. What rules and boundaries you decide to set as a parent is your business, but whatever your decision, you need to make it based on good quality information and not pressure from your child, their friends and their friends’ parents.
Humans are tribal beings. We have very strong influence on our kids, at any age, if we speak with one voice. Unfortunately, if our voice is divided then the adult voice is weakened and the peer voice becomes stronger. It’s an issue that crops up with most families so it’s worth getting it right if at all possible.
For practical strategies and expert advice select relevant age group below.