12 year olds drinking O'Douls...appropriate?

[MichelleVW]

I've given my girls virgin frozen drinks on occasion, but O'douls is gross....why would a kid want to drink that crap!!

 

[LisaR]

It's downright disgusting. . My 12 year old has had wine with dinner and sips from my glass when there is something stronger then wine. I would never subject her to O'Douls.

I think the thing with O'Douls (besides the gross factor ) is that they let this 12 y/o walk around a BBQ with a "beer product" in his hands. Both of my kids (14 & 16) have had sips of our wine, beer, and mixed drinks over the years. But it is something that is done in the privacy of our own home with just ourselves present. Of all the beverages on the market that would appeal to a 12 y/o, this family picked O'Douls and allowed the kid to walk around drinking a couple cans of it?? That seems more to me like a family that wants to "look cool" more than anything.

 

[cornflake]

I think the thing with O'Douls (besides the gross factor ) is that they let this 12 y/o walk around a BBQ with a "beer product" in his hands. Both of my kids (14 & 16) have had sips of our wine, beer, and mixed drinks over the years. But it is something that is done in the privacy of our own home with just ourselves present. Of all the beverages on the market that would appeal to a 12 y/o, this family picked O'Douls and allowed the kid to walk around drinking a couple cans of it?? That seems more to me like a family that wants to "look cool" more than anything.

No one looks cool drinking O'Doul's.

I don't think it's about looking cool, we could always have a glass of wine or cocktail or whatever, if we wanted, in the house or outside.

No, alcohol isn't necessary but it is common and legal and not analagous to cocaine, imo. Letting kids drink demystifies alcohol and removes the taboo from it, and in many, many cultures, there's no real abstinance until of age to buy thing at all - if there's wine with dinner, everyone has wine, kids just get a smaller glass as they're smaller people.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

I think the thing with O'Douls (besides the gross factor ) is that they let this 12 y/o walk around a BBQ with a "beer product" in his hands. Both of my kids (14 & 16) have had sips of our wine, beer, and mixed drinks over the years. But it is something that is done in the privacy of our own home with just ourselves present. Of all the beverages on the market that would appeal to a 12 y/o, this family picked O'Douls and allowed the kid to walk around drinking a couple cans of it?? That seems more to me like a family that wants to "look cool" more than anything.

You summed up my reasons for starting this thread. I'm still picturing this boy hanging out with a bottle of O'Douls in his hand. My DD10 thought it was real beer.

 

[golfgal]

So, then I guess kids should have a healthy relationship with other drugs too? So, should kids ingest pills or cocaine in preparation for the future?

Sure alcohol is legal and street drugs are not, so let's ignore that for a minute, and just focus on your theory that letting them drink these types of drinks helps them foster a healthy relationship with the drug for future use. In my world, a drug is a drug, and my students constantly ask me why one drug is legal, whereas the others are not? Alcohol is a huge problem in our society, moreso than other drugs that are consumed...

I've said it many times before, we don't need to teach our kids to drink for future reference, as it's not an essential activity to get through life. This boy has obviously acquired a taste for the drink, and the fact that it's non-alcoholic/low alcohol means that he actually more than likely drinks this often.

All of the new studies that are coming out, are showing that parents who let their kids drink at home, are having many problems with those same kids binge drinking and driving while drunk. Kids, especially teens, struggle to separate between drinking at home, and drinking elsewhere, as they have acquired a taste for the product, but most especially the effect it has on their brains. Much more research is being done here, as it's a very slippery slope, and so experts need to see if there is an actual connection here between parental supply of alcohol and alcohol consumption in underage kids.

This won't affect all kids, but it's being shown to be a problem with many, many kids. Just like kids who grew up around no alcohol, they all don't grow up to go nuts and binge drink. It's all about personality, genetics and environment, so why let a 12 year old even start that process? Why not teach kids that alcohol is not necessary to their lives at all, but if they choose to partake in it at an older age, then that is their choice to do so?

As a teacher, I can assure you that there are many more life's lessons that parents should be teaching their kids, that are more relevant than learning how to drink.

Tiger

Everytime an alcohol thread comes up you cite "all this research"--it is ONE study, ONE....it also isn't a very well done study at that

 

[luvmy3]

I've said it many times before, we don't need to teach our kids to drink for future reference, as it's not an essential activity to get through life. This boy has obviously acquired a taste for the drink, and the fact that it's non-alcoholic/low alcohol means that he actually more than likely drinks this often.


Tiger

Or he said "hey Dad, can I try one of those?" and Dad said "sure".

 

[lizabu]

So, then I guess kids should have a healthy relationship with other drugs too? So, should kids ingest pills or cocaine in preparation for the future?

Sure alcohol is legal and street drugs are not, so let's ignore that for a minute, and just focus on your theory that letting them drink these types of drinks helps them foster a healthy relationship with the drug for future use. In my world, a drug is a drug, and my students constantly ask me why one drug is legal, whereas the others are not? Alcohol is a huge problem in our society, moreso than other drugs that are consumed...

I've said it many times before, we don't need to teach our kids to drink for future reference, as it's not an essential activity to get through life. This boy has obviously acquired a taste for the drink, and the fact that it's non-alcoholic/low alcohol means that he actually more than likely drinks this often.

All of the new studies that are coming out, are showing that parents who let their kids drink at home, are having many problems with those same kids binge drinking and driving while drunk. Kids, especially teens, struggle to separate between drinking at home, and drinking elsewhere, as they have acquired a taste for the product, but most especially the effect it has on their brains. Much more research is being done here, as it's a very slippery slope, and so experts need to see if there is an actual connection here between parental supply of alcohol and alcohol consumption in underage kids.

This won't affect all kids, but it's being shown to be a problem with many, many kids. Just like kids who grew up around no alcohol, they all don't grow up to go nuts and binge drink. It's all about personality, genetics and environment, so why let a 12 year old even start that process? Why not teach kids that alcohol is not necessary to their lives at all, but if they choose to partake in it at an older age, then that is their choice to do so?

As a teacher, I can assure you that there are many more life's lessons that parents should be teaching their kids, that are more relevant than learning how to drink.

Tiger

I'm not sure I agree with this. In countries such as France where alcohol is no big deal and even children drink wine occassionally there are few reports of alcoholism and binge drinking. I know in my own experience the kids who were held on the tightest leashes were the ones most likely to binge on alcohol or sweets or whatever was "forbidden" once they were away at college and out of sight of their parents. I wouldn't encourage kids to drink even non-alcoholic beverages but by being too strict about these things they can become glamourized and exciting. I think the ocassional sip of beer or wine will satisfy the curiousity. Alcohol is legal and freely available so if we don't show children how to have it in your environment in a safe healthy way you are doing the child a disservice. I think it's healthy for a child to see a parent have an occassional beer or glass or wine and then watch that parent make choices like not driving after consuming alcohol and not drinking to excess. They will learn that alcohol is ok but you have to make smart choices. Having an open dialogue is a good thing too. When the poster I quoted suggested alcohol is simular to street drugs I have to disagree. I have never been to a wedding, work event or dinner party where street drugs were passed around. In fact I probably wouldn't even know where to get street drugs. Alcohol is freely offered at many events and is available for purchase legally in many stores. I will imagine my children will eventually grow up and attend events where alcohol is served. It is in their best interests to learn how to be responsible with it.

 

[luvmy3]

You summed up my reasons for starting this thread. I'm still picturing this boy hanging out with a bottle of O'Douls in his hand. My DD10 thought it was real beer.

Were you worried about your impressionable 10 year old? Did you tell them that it wasn't real beer?

 

[Tiger926]

Everytime an alcohol thread comes up you cite "all this research"--it is ONE study, ONE....it also isn't a very well done study at that

It doesn't matter if it was one, it's being redone by several other countries. It showed very interesting results, that need to be further studied. It's important info to see whether there is a connection between parental distribution and underage alcohol consumption.

Not sure why you wouldn't find this valuable research? It doesn't matter how you feel about alcohol, as it's the connection that they are delving into that is of utter importance, as parental attitudes towards alcohol is something that can be changed, and may be more easily dealt with than peer pressure, which is another factor in underage teen drinking.

I'm not sure I agree with this. In countries such as France where alcohol is no big deal and even children drink wine occassionally there are few reports of alcoholism and binge drinking. I know in my own experience the kids who were held on the tightest leashes were the ones most likely to binge on alcohol or sweets or whatever was "forbidden" once they were away at college and out of sight of their parents. I wouldn't encourage kids to drink even non-alcoholic beverages but by being too strict about these things they can become glamourized and exciting. I think the ocassional sip of beer or wine will satisfy the curiousity. Alcohol is legal and freely available so if we don't show children how to have it in your environment in a safe healthy way you are doing the child a disservice. I think it's healthy for a child to see a parent have an occassional beer or glass or wine and then watch that parent make choices like not driving after consuming alcohol and not drinking to excess. They will learn that alcohol is ok but you have to make smart choices. Having an open dialogue is a good thing too. When the poster I quoted suggested alcohol is simular to street drugs I have to disagree. I have never been to a wedding, work event or dinner party where street drugs were passed around. In fact I probably wouldn't even know where to get street drugs. Alcohol is freely offered at many events and is available for purchase legally in many stores. I will imagine my children will eventually grow up and attend events where alcohol is served. It is in their best interests to learn how to be responsible with it.

That is why they are further studying it to see what exactly the connection is. Research shows that parental attitudes towards substances is highly important. I absolutely agree that children seeing people consume alcohol in a responsible manner, and make good choices like not driving or getting smashed, is very important. But this is important for most things in life...positive role models make for more positive choices. Not always, but they go a long way.

My children don't see us drink, as we don't have alcohol in our home, but they see other family members drink, and our 8 year old knows that people kill themselves when they drink too much and crash their cars, as our newspaper showed a horrible crash on the front page. They are not told they can't drink, they are told it's a choice for older brains and bodies, and if they choose to do it, they must do it responsibly. They are being taught that substances are not acceptable to growing brains and bodies, but should they find themselves in a situation where they have made a bad choice, they are to call home right away, no questions asked. They are never to get in a car with anyone who has been drinking, ever.

Also new studies that are showing that permissiveness of substances, alcohol and pot in certain european countries are actually having an adverse affect as well. I just read that at school the other day, so I can't get my hands on it until tomorrow, but I found that interesting as well.

Regardless of what you or other posters feel as parents is irrelevant, except for your own children. What is relevant is for the medical and mental health experts to study all connections, as more people than ever before are addicted to substances.

Responsible use is important, but I would say that no one can guarantee that letting a 12 year old drink fake beer is going to positively prepare him for a future with alcohol in it.

Tiger

 

[cornflake]

It doesn't matter if it was one, it's being redone by several other countries. It showed very interesting results, that need to be further studied. It's important info to see whether there is a connection between parental distribution and underage alcohol consumption.

Not sure why you wouldn't find this valuable research? It doesn't matter how you feel about alcohol, as it's the connection that they are delving into that is of utter importance, as parental attitudes towards alcohol is something that can be changed, and may be more easily dealt with than peer pressure, which is another factor in underage teen drinking.

Tiger

Because it was one very questionable study that you cite as if it's mountains of research? As I recall, it didn't even say what you thought it did, but I don't remember that well.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

Were you worried about your impressionable 10 year old? Did you tell them that it wasn't real beer?

She brought it up on the way home. Of course I told her it wasn't real.

 

[luvmy3]

She brought it up on the way home. Of course I told her it wasn't real.

You didn't really answer the question though. I'm just curious if your issue with somebody elses kid drinking a non alcoholic beer is that you had to explain it to your own dd? You mentioned she asked about it in a previous post, no real reason to add that unless it bothered you that she saw it and questioned it.

 

[sam_gordon]

Sorry don't see the big deal. We've let our (now 13) DD have "virgin" coladas (sp?) when we've been out to dinner. She likes the taste. If ODouls is "non-alcoholic", I don't see the big deal. Yes, it may taste like crap, but you're not the one drinking it. I think broccoli tastes like crap, but if others like it, more power to them.

 

[Mouse Man]

I would find it odd that the family let their son walk around a BBQ with a bottle of O'Douls like he's "one of the guys". I have 2 sons and I've let them take a sip of my beer before because they were curious. They made faces, declared it was disgusting, and that was the end of that. This was done in the privacy of our own home, not in front of a gathering of people that may or may not agree with my choice.

 

[Mouse Man]

Sorry don't see the big deal. We've let our (now 13) DD have "virgin" coladas (sp?) when we've been out to dinner. She likes the taste.

But would you feel comfortable ordering her an O'Douls at dinner?

 

[cornflake]

I would find it odd that the family let their son walk around a BBQ with a bottle of O'Douls like he's "one of the guys". I have 2 sons and I've let them take a sip of my beer before because they were curious. They made faces, declared it was disgusting, and that was the end of that. This was done in the privacy of our own home, not in front of a gathering of people that may or may not agree with my choice.

and

But would you feel comfortable ordering her an O'Douls at dinner?

Who cares whether other people agree with your choice?

Would you really not order your kid a drink when you wouldn't have a problem giving them one at home, or not let them have one when people are over though you would if there weren't... just because other people could see and might not approve?

To me, that's odd, to worry about what other people think about your choice that has 0 impact on them.

 

[LisaR]

No one looks cool drinking O'Doul's.

I don't think it's about looking cool, we could always have a glass of wine or cocktail or whatever, if we wanted, in the house or outside.

No, alcohol isn't necessary but it is common and legal and not analagous to cocaine, imo. Letting kids drink demystifies alcohol and removes the taboo from it, and in many, many cultures, there's no real abstinance until of age to buy thing at all - if there's wine with dinner, everyone has wine, kids just get a smaller glass as they're smaller people.

At the ripe old age of 12, I am going to go out on a limb and guess that it wasn't the kids idea to get a beer like product for the party. I am not opposed to my kids trying some of my alcohol but when planning a party where there will be other kids, my kids beverage suggestion list would be include pink lemonade, soda and water. Can't imagine my kids asking us to pick up a 12 pack of non-alcoholic beer for the party. Hence, I am going to assume this was a parental choice and I am going to stick with the claim that the parents were trying to seem like the cool parents. Most 12 y/o would pick a soda over a couple cans of O'Doul's. Heck, most adults would do the same.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

You didn't really answer the question though. I'm just curious if your issue with somebody elses kid drinking a non alcoholic beer is that you had to explain it to your own dd? You mentioned she asked about it in a previous post, no real reason to add that unless it bothered you that she saw it and questioned it.

It just looked really odd seeing the kid open a bottle of "beer". We barely know these people so I have no idea if this is a regular thing for them or not. I had no idea DD even noticed it until we got into the car on the way home. Yeah, I was a bit annoyed that DD was sitting there thinking the kid was drinking real beer. I've never seen this before so it was a bit shocking.

 

[Jingle]

This is one of those gray areas in life where there is no clear cut right or wrong answer--in my opinion. I'm leaning toward the side of I don't have a problem with it. Lots of kids drink non-alcoholic versions of drinks that typically have alcohol in them. I don't think that's going to be a factor in whether or not they become alcoholics. Also, a lot of people disagree on what is or is not appropriate.

A girl in my high school class grew up in a very conservative family. They did not drink at all and she also didn't drink in high school---to my knowledge, and I knew her pretty well. Just to give a time reference, the legal drinking age in our state at the time we were in high school was 18.

In her later 20's, she was an alcoholic, to the extent that her husband left her, because she would not even try to get help. He got got custody of their kids. At first she tried to hide her drinking but of course it eventually came out. I'm not sure when she actually started drinking. I also know her now ex-husband drank a bit in high school--and he is most definitely not a big drinker now.

 

[cornflake]

At the ripe old age of 12, I am going to go out on a limb and guess that it wasn't the kids idea to get a beer like product for the party. I am not opposed to my kids trying some of my alcohol but when planning a party where there will be other kids, my kids beverage suggestion list would be include pink lemonade, soda and water. Can't imagine my kids asking us to pick up a 12 pack of non-alcoholic beer for the party. Hence, I am going to assume this was a parental choice and I am going to stick with the claim that the parents were trying to seem like the cool parents. Most 12 y/o would pick a soda over a couple cans of O'Doul's. Heck, most adults would do the same.

I didn't say the kid bought it or had the idea to buy it, though it's possible if he'd had it elsewhere, but the parents could have bought it for some guests who can't have alcohol but want the taste of really bad-tasting beer (which I don't get, personally, but...).

I mean if it was the parents' idea to look cool and he didn't care, why not just give him an actual beer?