Teens drinking at Epcot

[Todd&Copper]

When I was 12 and at the Italian restaurant at Epcot, my dad ordered a bottle of wine and poured a small glass for both my sister and I (she was 10 at the time). I hardly became a raging alcoholic. Drank too much once or twice in college, but I wasn't out binging every weekend. Wine and beer were not a big deal in our house growing up. Mom had a drink about once or twice a month on weekends. I am the same way now. I think it should be up to the parents. As a previous poster pointed out, children in some European countries drink wine as young as 5 or 6, and all Europeans are not raging alcoholics. Now, if I saw parents getting their underage child drunk, that would be a completely different animal; one drink or a few sips from their parent is frankly not my concern.

 

[rayelias]

I'm going to say something I never said to anyone on these boards and I might even get called on it, but. . .

YOU SOUND LIKE A COMPLETE IDIOT.

Children in Italy have been drinking wine at dinner since the age of 7. Millions of kids drink their grandfathers wine and very few have become adults with drinking problems. Comparing a little sip at 16 is not the same as smoking and snorting cocaine. You have displayed a very ignorant few here and I should not be responding to such a foolish statement, but you just got my goat.

I hope you reconsider your opinion, and apologize for such a stupid reply to this post.

Millions in Africa are STILL sold as slaves. Does that make it OK?

Millions in America smoke pot on a regular basis - some with their parents. Does that make it OK?

Now, I'm not comparing alchohol to slavery, rather I'm trying to illustrate the point that just because something is OK is another part of the world, doesn't necessarily make it right. So, your argument is moot.

I am saying is that Alchohol is:
(1) illegal for minors to consume (with very few exceptions) in the US. So, if you allow your minor children to drink, not only are you teaching them disrespect for the law, you're encouraging it.
(2) addictive. If you've ever known any recovering alchoholics, they would tell you it is a very dangerous drug. Sneaks up on you. It can also be a stepping stone to other drugs.

There's a reason that lawmakers have decided that you must be of a certain age to drink. You need to have a certain maturity level to understand the limits and the consequences of drinking. From what I've seen on many of college campuses, 21 isn't old enough. Yes, there are very mature, responsible people at 16. There are also completely irresponsible people at 36. Overall, though there is an abundance of abuse of alchohol because people think alchohol is harmless and don't respect what it can do.

So, flame me if you will. Call me names - go ahead. I can take it. It reminds me of an old Chinese proverb that goes something like this... "He who strikes first admits that his ideas have run out."

I will NOT apologize for caring about the health and welfare of people and hoping that parents don't encourage their children to break the law or partake in activities that could evolve into something serious and life altering.

I will however, should you offer it, accept your apology for the name calling. I understand that in a heated discussion, it is very easy to let your emotions run amok. Happens to me all the time. I may not agree with your position, but I feel we can debate our differences in a mature fashion.

 

[TeresaNJ]

Last August my then 19 yo daughter and I were at the Dawa Bar at Animal Kingdom taking a break from the hot sun. I ordered myself a Pina Colada and her a soda. She wanted a sip of my drink, but one of the cast members was watching us like a hawk. Maybe I was being overly paranoid, but I didn't let her have a sip as I was scared to death we'd be thrown out of the park. Normally though, say at a restaurant or at home I would have allowed it. I know how strict Disney is on their drinking policy. I mean, you can't even buy an alcoholic beverage for another person unless they are standing right next to you. It's just not worth the risk to allow even a sip.

 

[Tiggeroo]

There's a reason that lawmakers have decided that you must be of a certain age to drink. You need to have a certain maturity level to understand the limits and the consequences of drinking. From what I've seen on many of college campuses, 21 isn't old enough. Yes, there are very mature, responsible people at 16. There are also completely irresponsible people at 36. Overall, though there is an abundance of abuse of alchohol because people think alchohol is harmless and don't respect what it can do

then maybe we should make the age 37 or perhaps we should go back to prohibition, that was a success. And yes, alot of states allow minors to consume alcohol when on private property. So how is that teaching your child disrespect for the law. And by child I mean 16-20yo.

 

[jodifla]

Millions in Africa are STILL sold as slaves. Does that make it OK?

Millions in America smoke pot on a regular basis - some with their parents. Does that make it OK?

Now, I'm not comparing alchohol to slavery, rather I'm trying to illustrate the point that just because something is OK is another part of the world, doesn't necessarily make it right. So, your argument is moot.

I am saying is that Alchohol is:
(1) illegal for minors to consume (with very few exceptions) in the US. So, if you allow your minor children to drink, not only are you teaching them disrespect for the law, you're encouraging it.
(2) addictive. If you've ever known any recovering alchoholics, they would tell you it is a very dangerous drug. Sneaks up on you. It can also be a stepping stone to other drugs.

There's a reason that lawmakers have decided that you must be of a certain age to drink. You need to have a certain maturity level to understand the limits and the consequences of drinking. From what I've seen on many of college campuses, 21 isn't old enough. Yes, there are very mature, responsible people at 16. There are also completely irresponsible people at 36. Overall, though there is an abundance of abuse of alchohol because people think alchohol is harmless and don't respect what it can do.

So, flame me if you will. Call me names - go ahead. I can take it. It reminds me of an old Chinese proverb that goes something like this... "He who strikes first admits that his ideas have run out."

I will NOT apologize for caring about the health and welfare of people and hoping that parents don't encourage their children to break the law or partake in activities that could evolve into something serious and life altering.

I will however, should you offer it, accept your apology for the name calling. I understand that in a heated discussion, it is very easy to let your emotions run amok. Happens to me all the time. I may not agree with your position, but I feel we can debate our differences in a mature fashion.

Actually, most lawmakers simply cowtowed to MADD's extensive lobbying. They are the group trying to reintroduce Prohibition in this country. Lots of lobbying = lots of money to legislators = stupid laws on the books.

There are LOTS AND LOTS of stupid laws on the books. Take a close look at your state's laws closely. Odds are you are breaking at least some of them every day.

 

[gigi1313]

I am saying is that Alchohol is:
(1) illegal for minors to consume (with very few exceptions) in the US. So, if you allow your minor children to drink, not only are you teaching them disrespect for the law, you're encouraging it.

if you read thru the posts on this thread, you would see that it is NOT illegal for a parent or guardian to permit their minor children or wards to consume alcohol in their presence in many states of the US. there are not "very few exceptions" to the illegality for minors to consume alcohol at all, it's quite legal, possibly in more states than it's illegal (have not completed the research yet) ergo, in my home in new york, i can provide my children with alcohol if i so choose. i am not familiar with florida's laws but i am sure someone will verse me in them shortly.


*~*~*~*~*~*

DITTO to jodifla that the main reason for the increase in the legal age to purchase (not consume or possess) alcohol in the US is due mainly to the lobbyist/money/special interest groups such as MADD.

just as an aside... at my nephew's going away party prior to being deployed, he was unable to drink a beer unless provided by his parents, but the next day the gov't was glad to provide him w/a sniper rifle! go figure!

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I am saying is that Alchohol is:
(1) illegal for minors to consume (with very few exceptions) in the US. So, if you allow your minor children to drink, not only are you teaching them disrespect for the law, you're encouraging it.

Very true. Truthfully I'm not all that fond of the idea of allowing our Politicians the power to raise my children and whether or not my 15 year old son gets a glass of White Zifandale with his Thanksgiving dinner is a parenting decision.

Have you seen some of these people who make our laws? Not exactly an army of the most morally correct or even intelligent beings on the planet.

I prefer to "teach" my children to live their lives based upon their own moral code of ethics and boundries.

If you've ever known any recovering alchoholics, they would tell you it is a very dangerous drug.

As for alcoholism - nobody grew up in a more alcoholic family than mine. I guess it is true that alcoholism can "sneak up" on you. All the more reason to learn how to enjoy it in a calm and reasonable manner, to know the limits.

However I don't buy that there is some magic age when you suddenly become mature and cognizant enough to handle alcohol. I think there are some people who drink because they enjoy the taste and some people who drink because they are looking to get drunk. Either can happen at any age.

 

[SandraVB79]

Haven't read the whole thread, so here is just my opinion regarding the OP:

- I see no problem at all drinking some alcohol before you're 21, because I have had my first drink when I was 6 or so, and it didn't harm me in any way. As a matter of fact, I think it's somewhat important to include the "alcohol-drinking-skills" in the education of teens, so that when they are 21, they know how to handle it (i.e. drinking socially and not drinking as an alcoholic)

- Although I have been drinking in public in the US when I wasn't 21, I wouldn't do it when you're only 16 in such a public place as Disney. If not for other reasons, I wouldn't do it because if Disney kicks you out of the park, you paid a lot of money for nothing. (for park tickets)

 

[paigevz]

So, flame me if you will. Call me names - go ahead. I can take it. It reminds me of an old Chinese proverb that goes something like this... "He who strikes first admits that his ideas have run out."

I will NOT apologize for caring about the health and welfare of people and hoping that parents don't encourage their children to break the law or partake in activities that could evolve into something serious and life altering.

I will however, should you offer it, accept your apology for the name calling. I understand that in a heated discussion, it is very easy to let your emotions run amok. Happens to me all the time. I may not agree with your position, but I feel we can debate our differences in a mature fashion.

Very controlled response. I disagree with your position, but it is your right.

I think if a parent chooses to let their child have a drink while with them, that is fine. I feel it is part of the overall education of the child. This is alcohol, this is what it can look like/taste like, this is what it can feel like after just a bit, this is how much we drink (as in at dinner)..............now let me tell you why you shouldn't have more than this and the times you shouldn't have it at all.

 

[poohandwendy]

We are not talking about parents giving a minor alcohol at home, we are not talking about a state where that is legal. We are talking about making this decision in WDW, in a state where this is illegal to do.

If your actions could put anyone else at risk, be it their job or financially (fines, whatever), if there is a chance where you will get thrown off the property for doing so...that is a no-brainer. You just do not put other people in a bad position because you want your kid to experience walking around WS with a marguerita in their hand. Not worth it, IMO.

 

[Tiggeroo]

We are not talking about parents giving a minor alcohol at home, we are not talking about a state where that is legal. We are talking about making this decision in WDW, in a state where this is illegal to do.

If your actions could put anyone else at risk, be it their job or financially (fines, whatever), if there is a chance where you will get thrown off the property for doing so...that is a no-brainer. You just do not put other people in a bad position because you want your kid to experience walking around WS with a marguerita in their hand. Not worth it, IMO.

agree. No matter what my stance, even if I disagree with the law in mys state I can't imagine placing someone else at risk. Suppose I thought the law was wrong and was telling my child this. I wouldn't encourage him to openly flaunt his disagreement in a public place and risk arrest. Very bad idea to order a drink and hand it to your son or even to split one with him. I can see gray area for giving him a sip although that would have some risk. And I am a parent who allows my minor childrn alcohol in my home in my presence.

 

[sugarpie]

I always think back to going away to college. It seemed to me that the kids who's parents were super strict about alchohol were the ones that got into the worst trouble. The ones who's parents were reasonable didn't seem to feel the need to go crazy

I completely agree! On holidays and special occasions we had wine at dinner & drinking was not treated like a crime. And I did my fair share of underage drinking but I did not end up a drunk. I have a friend from high school whose mom would smell her breath when she got home at night and grill her about where she's been - she went absolutely crazy in college with all her partying and eventually flunked out.

 

[arminnie]

Change your trip plans. Come visit in New Orleans - we need the tourist money desperately.

As long as you are present you can order your child a drink (legally) and even take it out in a go cup while you wander around enjoying the sights.

 

[Stephanie218]

I don't have time to read the whole thread, as I'm at work, but just wanted to reply that Disney isn't always as strict as you'd think. My BF and I went to Disney for my Senior trip when I graduated HS. He bought 2 margaritas in Epoct and wasn't even carded, and he was only 19 at the time.

I didn't even drink much of mine because they made it so strong, lol, and it wasn't like we were driving anywhere.

My parents were always open about alcohol, and as long as I was truthful about what I was doing and where, I was allowed to drink in High School. I would definately agree with letting your kids have a sip of what you're drinking to dispell the mystery. My dad used to drink Jack Daniels, on the rocks, all the time. Having a sip of that when I was about 12 cured all mystery of alcohol for a long time!!

 

[brerrabbit]

I will give my kids sips of any drinks I have while at home in Texas, whether in my home or at a resturant. Although my kids are now 16 and 21 I have always had no problem letting them taste my drink. My DW and I drink some and I have never hidden it from our children, to so would be very hypocritiacl. As far as "lawmakers" deciding the drinking age, give me a break. When I was 18 it was perfectly fine to drink and the "lawmakers" agreed because thats what the drinking age was. Then one day they woke up and decided the magical age was 21 and so they changed the law. We can ask 18 year olds to defend our country and die doing so, but oh no, lets not let them drink, they are not responsible enough to handle it.

What the whole thing boils down to is parental responsibility. If you communicate with your kids which my wife and I have always done, then it should be your decision as to when and how they are introduced to alcohol. To say to any resonably bright and intelligent teenager that "I forbid you to drink alcohol until you are 21" will not get you to far. I talk to my kids, explain what the consiquinces of alcohol, drugs, smoking etc are and try to get them to make responsible decisions based on a complete and thourough understanding of what the consiquinces are. I also understand the consiquinces so if I choose to let my child have a sip of an alcoholic beverage at WDW then I know I could be kicked out of the place. Fine I'll make my decision and at that point live with the consiquinces.

However, I assure you that running away from the issue and hiding under a rock while you let the "lawmakers" decide what the right age is for your kids to learn about all these things will surely lead to problems. The same goes for drugs, smoking, sex, and any other evil you can think of. Be a parent, don't take the easy way out and say no. its against the law.

 

[salmoneous]

I will NOT apologize for caring about the health and welfare of people and hoping that parents don't encourage their children to break the law or partake in activities that could evolve into something serious and life altering.

But you are forgetting that alcohol can be a very healty and enjoyable substance as well. You have to balance the risks with the rewards. It'a a parent's responsibility to teach their kids about balance. Each parent needs to decide how to best teach their kids. Your method of absolutle prohibition is one. It's not the only good method however.

 

[helenabear]

I haven't read the whole thread, but I wanted to add my two cents anyway

I see nothing wrong with allowing kids to take a sip or a drink of alcohol at home. In Ohio it is perfectly legal for a parent to give their child a drink. In Florida it is not... period!

I am not for breaking the law, especially in a public place like WDW.

 

[mrsltg]

Millions in Africa are STILL sold as slaves. Does that make it OK?

Millions in America smoke pot on a regular basis - some with their parents. Does that make it OK?

Now, I'm not comparing alchohol to slavery, rather I'm trying to illustrate the point that just because something is OK is another part of the world, doesn't necessarily make it right. So, your argument is moot.

I am saying is that Alchohol is:
(1) illegal for minors to consume (with very few exceptions) in the US. So, if you allow your minor children to drink, not only are you teaching them disrespect for the law, you're encouraging it.
(2) addictive. If you've ever known any recovering alchoholics, they would tell you it is a very dangerous drug. Sneaks up on you. It can also be a stepping stone to other drugs.

There's a reason that lawmakers have decided that you must be of a certain age to drink. You need to have a certain maturity level to understand the limits and the consequences of drinking. From what I've seen on many of college campuses, 21 isn't old enough. Yes, there are very mature, responsible people at 16. There are also completely irresponsible people at 36. Overall, though there is an abundance of abuse of alchohol because people think alchohol is harmless and don't respect what it can do.

So, flame me if you will. Call me names - go ahead. I can take it. It reminds me of an old Chinese proverb that goes something like this... "He who strikes first admits that his ideas have run out."

I will NOT apologize for caring about the health and welfare of people and hoping that parents don't encourage their children to break the law or partake in activities that could evolve into something serious and life altering.

I will however, should you offer it, accept your apology for the name calling. I understand that in a heated discussion, it is very easy to let your emotions run amok. Happens to me all the time. I may not agree with your position, but I feel we can debate our differences in a mature fashion.

Really? So, I guess seeing as how you wouldn't disrespect the law, you've never had any sort of sexual contact other than male/female missionary style as is the law in many states? Of course this is an extreme example (I REALLY DON'T WANT AN ANSWER!!!) but the point is, some laws are just dumb. They are on the books because someone decided they would step into someone else's private life and begin legislating. Yes, alcohol can be addictive but it will be that way whether you are 15 or 55 if you are prone to addictive behavior. You can care for the health and well being of people all you want but, DO NOT PRESUME TO TELL ME OR ANYONE ELSE HOW TO RAISE OUR CHILDREN. No one has advocated having their child get "smashed". No one has advocated having them drive around after having a drink. If you are afraid of alcohol for some reason I advise you not to drink it.

 

[poohandwendy]

When I was 18 it was perfectly fine to drink and the "lawmakers" agreed because thats what the drinking age was. Then one day they woke up and decided the magical age was 21 and so they changed the law. We can ask 18 year olds to defend our country and die doing so, but oh no, lets not let them drink, they are not responsible enough to handle it.

While I tend to agree with you, the laws were not changed because lawmakers woke up one day and decided that 21 was a magical age. It cannot be denied that teens drinking, driving and DYING in the process, weighed heavily on that decision. The statistics of drunk teens dying in or causing fatal automobile accidents is what brought about the changes.

Not really sure how I feel about this issue, to be honest. I know kids of all sorts of situations where teens abused alcohol, whether alcohol was provided to them throughout their childhoods or severely restricted. I also know many people who were responsible and had similar backgrounds. There are no guarantees no matter how this issue is handled.

Some kids are just more cautious by nature, some are risk takers and love thrill. Saying you can drink with me present, but never at any other time is also a restriction some kids are going to see as forbidden fruit too.

Truth is, some kids just do not follow our guidance. In a nutshell, I am not sure what the solution is. I know there is a problem though. I just don't see lowering the drinking age as something that would have good results. I would not have a problem with the laws in my state being changed to allow supervised drinking, as long as the parents provide it and take responsibility for the results. But, I would not be fine with other parents having the right to make that call for my kids in their home.

 

[rayelias]

Upon doing some reasearch, I found the text below at the MADD website.

My biggest objection has been that, if you were allowing your underage child to drink, you were teaching them a disrespect for the law. I was ignorant of the law, and while I still feel it is not a good idea to promote the consumption of alchohol to a minor, so long as it is legal, you have every right to offer a drink to your children. I apologize for my lack of knowledge on the issue.

Please know, I really do care about the welfare of everyone out there. I know many people who have problems with alchohol and it affects not only them, but their loved ones as well. I personally knew a couple people who have died from alchohol abuse and I wouldn't want anyone to have to go through that. I'm not a prude - I do drink alchohol, but very limited - usually either a toast (at a wedding) or a glass to compliment my meal. If I drink 12 servings of alchohol a year, that's a lot. But, even if you "teach" your child to drink responsibly, there have been numerous studies that show that alchoholism can be passed on genetically.

Plus, you know kids. They'll be at a party and in their mind, "Hey, my Mom & Dad let me drink at home. I know I'm not *supposed* to drink out of their presence, but I know how to handle myself." But, again, raise your kids the way you want - so long as it's within the confines of the law.



from http://www.madd.org/Laws/law

Youth Consumption of Alcohol

States are coded as having this law if their policies specifically prohibit minors (defined in this document as under age 21) from consuming alcoholic beverages. Note that this means observed drinking in most cases, not merely the presence of a positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) from a breath test. A number of states have one or more of the eight exceptions such as drinking in private locations. States were coded as having this law if their policies specifically prohibit minors from consuming alcoholic beverages. The following 8 exceptions were listed for this law:

1. Parent/Guardian Gives Consent
2. Parent/Guardian Is Present
3. Parent/Guardian Role Not Specified
4. Legal Age Spouse
5. In Any Private Location
6. In Private Residence
7. In Parent/Guardian's Home Only
8. Other (Religious, Educational, Medical)