Safety 101: Teens and Twenty Somethings Drinking to Excess

The typical activity among teens and twenty somethings on days like Cinco de Mayo and St. Patrick's Day is DRINKING.  I place drinking in all caps because on these days it seems as if many of our childrens common sense goes out the door and they party to excess to celebrate.  Many children have fallen victim to a death directly related to drinking.  It doesn't really matter whether the death is due to drunk driving or alcohol poisoning.  Dead is dead.  Make sure that your children know your feelings about drinking, and the dangers associated with drinking.  In addition, signing a contract with them where you agree to no consequence if they call you to pick them up when they or the person they are riding with have had too much to drink.  Not all parents are comfortable with letting their children off the hook for drinking, but consider this contract may just save their life.

Play Dates and Alcohol...Do They Really Mix Well?

A recent trend has moms and stay at home dads adding to the traditional play date by raising an alcohol filled glass. Is there anything wrong with this, I would say no as long as the drinking is done in moderation and that no one is driving with children in the car having had too much to drink.

I would ask all of those individuals speaking out against these types of play dates, are they falling victim to a double standard. Fathers have been taking their children to ballgames and partaking in several beers during the game for generations and there has been no out public out cry about that. Do we hold mothers to a different standard then fathers, or should we be taking a hard look at the possible dangers of engaging in either of these two activities.

When it comes to drinking during activities with your children, I think the important words to consider are: moderation and driving under the influence.

Why is Everyone Bent Out of Shape about Fast Food Places Serving Alcohol?

I am not sure why everyone seems to be so bent out of shape about fast food restuarants serving alcohol and no one seems to be all that concerned about our theme parks serving alcohol on every corner. I am much more concerned with the fact that Universal Studios and Disney serve alcohol. Atleast the parents who are partaking in drinking at a fast food restaurant are usually eating something and not just walking around drinking. Think about it, everyday thousands of adults take their children to a crowded, hot theme park and quench their thirst with a beer or alcohol. I don't think that crowds, rides, family fun and alcohol go together all that well.

The next time that you are out at a restuarant or theme park consider the message that you are sending your children if you are drinking alcohol. Save the drinking for times other than family time.