A young child drinking a glass of wine for dinner is perfectly normal and acceptable in many cultures, such as France and Italy. Nothing wrong with it.
If more Americans would adapt to the European culture, then American children would change to. Americans should teach their children to drink alcohol in moderation.
In Wisconsin - likely a remnant of its historical ties to Germany - it is actually allowed for children to drink beer or wine in public, as long as they are with their guardian.
It's true that giving wine to children is done occasionally in european families, however, after living in Italy I observed that the culture over there is entirely different where alcohol is concerned. Here teenagers on up are encouraged by their peers to go out, party, get drunk, etc. Over there it is really frowned upon to become drunk. In fact, people look at you like you have a serious emotional problem if you do get drunk. It is highly discouraged among your peers.
That said, in this culture where teenage drinking is so prevalent, I will not be encouraging my daughters to drink alcohol at all. If they wish to at 21 that is their choice.
If more Americans would adapt to the European culture, then American children would change to. Americans should teach their children to drink alcohol in moderation.
In Wisconsin - likely a remnant of its historical ties to Germany - it is actually allowed for children to drink beer or wine in public, as long as they are with their guardian.