Letting your kids try your drink
Dr. Andrew Rochford
This is one of the most difficult alcohol-related hurdles you will have to jump during your child’s life. Not only do you have to work out whether you should let them try it, you also have to decide when the right time is if you feel it is appropriate to do so.
We know that a developing brain can be permanently affected by alcohol, from the day of conception right through into adolescence. We also know that the older they become, the more persistent they can be at exploring life’s experiences, such as alcohol.
How a parent answers the probing questions children ask about alcohol depends a lot on your own family style. Some families are very open and discuss everything, others tend to separate adult business from child business and adopt more of a ‘need-to-know’ approach.
In light of the new information we have about the dangers of alcohol on the developing brain, it is now clear that parents should delay their child drinking alcohol in any situation for as long as possible.
For practical strategies and expert advice select relevant age group below.