What are your thoughts on beer at a child's birthday party? We have decided to have TJ's party at our house and many of our friends are drinkers. I would like to have beer available but I am unsure if this is appropriate? To be honest I wouldn't care if it were just our family and friends. I just don't know TJ's friends parents all that well and I don't want to come off as a lush... :shuffle:

We have a kegerator. We have beer at everything. :biggrin:

If I was holding it in the church basement perhaps I'd think twice, but otherwise, I'm down with the likker.

When do not provide alcohol at our kids' parties because Jim and I don't feel it is appropriate. It's a KID party. Alcohol should be saved for grown up parties IMO. Besides, nothing irks me more than seeing friends or relatives show up with their kids, drink it up then drive their kids home. :mad:

We usually have beer at our parties too, because IMO at this young age the party is more for the adults than the kids. It's not like we're buying cases of beer, but we do provide it if someone feels like having one or two with their meal. (it's always been family/close friends there) No one has ever sat and gotten drunk, so I've never been concerned about drunk driving. It's not like anyone's acting like it's a frat party or anything; they're able to drink responsibly. :dunno:

Yes, it's appropriate. We aren't offering a beer bong, shots, etc. A beer at a party with food is ok in my book.

Yup. We always have beer and maybe smirnoff ice or something. So far Brookelyn's parties have been BBQ (labor day weekend bday...)/pool parties so it's pretty appropriate. Besides, we know that anyone who comes and DOES drink isn't going to get all sloppy or anything. Just a couple of drinks with some burgers and dogs... Nobody drives home intoxicated!!

We served beer and wine at Jackson's 1st birthday party, we didn't at his 2nd, but only b/c that one started at 10:30am. :lol: I don't see a problem with it, I doubt anyone would act like it is a frat party or something. I know I'd want a beer, especially at a cookout type party...

I know I'd want a beer, especially at a cookout type party...

That is why I am considering... It's summer, it will be a cookout.. It would be nice to actually just sit and enjoy ourselves. Our friends don't drink and drive so I am definately not worried about that.

If it was a party with all of their little school friends, I would not serve it...but to this point we've only had parties with family friends that include their friends that way...and hell yeah, there's beer! :toast:

If I was holding it in the church basement perhaps I'd think twice, but otherwise, I'm down with the likker.My girlfriend used her church basement for her 1 year old's party in Feb, and not only was there beer, they had to go get a little more. :) ('Twas nothing crazy, but more of the adults ended up having a beer or two than they expected.)

If it was a party with all of their little school friends, I would not serve it...but to this point we've only had parties with family friends that include their friends that way...and hell yeah, there's beer! :toast:

I agree. Since my boys are young, we haven't had parties like that yet where it's their school friends.

We always have alcohol at the kids parties if we have them at home. And the couple of times that we've had them elsewhere, most of our friends have come back to our house for a drink afterwards anyway.

I don't see a problem with beer (or margaritas :toast: ) at a kid's party either.

Regarding drinking and driving, I would hope that the parents would be responsible enough not to drink and drive in any situation, so I don't really see how it would be different in the case of a kid's party.

We've alway's had beer/liquor at the kids parties:shuffle: I actually just called dh at work to get a rundown of what I should get tomorrow for Cass's bday party..and he doesn't drink :lol:it's mostly for the guests and yes we monitor how much is consumed :awink:

When do not provide alcohol at our kids' parties because Jim and I don't feel it is appropriate. It's a KID party. Alcohol should be saved for grown up parties IMO. Besides, nothing irks me more than seeing friends or relatives show up with their kids, drink it up then drive their kids home. :mad:

ITA :nod:

When do not provide alcohol at our kids' parties because Jim and I don't feel it is appropriate. It's a KID party. Alcohol should be saved for grown up parties IMO. Besides, nothing irks me more than seeing friends or relatives show up with their kids, drink it up then drive their kids home. :mad:

I agree. Not only would it upset me if someone had a few and drove with their kids, it could potentially cost me EVERYTHING. In most jurisdictions, if you provide alcohol to someone who then has an accident, you are liable for the damages caused, ie. you loose your home, your savings, etc.

If I decided to serve it, I'd be very careful about watching consumption and wathcing who is driving home. Also, I'd be wary of those under 21 drinking. Not only could you be liable for civil damages, you could be imprisoned for providing alcohol to an underaged person and if a death occured in an accident, you could be imprisoned for murder. Too many risks for me at a kids birthday party. :)

I need to find my chart with the number of drinks it takes to blow at or above legal BAC level. It is surprisingly low. I've had to sit in on several training sessions where volunteers drink, then blow, then "act up" for us. It was really shocking how little alcohol it takes for some to become impaired. For that reason, I don't drink at ALL before I drive. And I would NEVER drink a drop then drive my kids.

Okay, climbing down from my soapbox now. :)

I don't see a problem with beer (or margaritas :toast: ) at a kid's party either.

Regarding drinking and driving, I would hope that the parents would be responsible enough not to drink and drive in any situation, so I don't really see how it would be different in the case of a kid's party.

I totally agree. We always serve alcohol (beer, wine, 'ritas). Its no different than any other occasion: xmas, thanksgiving, family gatherings, weekend BBQs, etc. And I also see the responsiblity factor as no different.

I agree. Not only would it upset me if someone had a few and drove with their kids, it could potentially cost me EVERYTHING. In most jurisdictions, if you provide alcohol to someone who then has an accident, you are liable for the damages caused, ie. you loose your home, your savings, etc.

If I decided to serve it, I'd be very careful about watching consumption and wathcing who is driving home. Also, I'd be wary of those under 21 drinking. Not only could you be liable for civil damages, you could be imprisoned for providing alcohol to an underaged person and if a death occured in an accident, you could be imprisoned for murder. Too many risks for me at a kids birthday party. :)

I need to find my chart with the number of drinks it takes to blow at or above legal BAC level. It is surprisingly low. I've had to sit in on several training sessions where volunteers drink, then blow, then "act up" for us. It was really shocking how little alcohol it takes for some to become impaired. For that reason, I don't drink at ALL before I drive. And I would NEVER drink a drop then drive my kids.

Okay, climbing down from my soapbox now. :)Lissa, just curious...but do you serve alcohol at any party you have? Most of your points to me don't seem to be any different if it was a kids party v. a regular party?

Lissa, just curious...but do you serve alcohol at any party you have? Most of your points to me don't seem to be any different if it was a kids party v. a regular party?

Yes, I do serve alcohol at non-kid parties and gatherings. And although the issues may seem simlar, I am able to differienate between the two. If I am having a kid party then some of the guests may not be close friends -- there may be some parents who also have a child at her preschool that I just don't know very well. Not everyone approves of drinking and even more don't approve of drinking in front of kids. I would hate to unintentionally offend someone. Also, I wouldn't know what their drinking habits are or how they would handle it if I told them I thought they shouldn't be driving. JMO, I don't think drinking alcohol and watching kids generally mix. I need to be on my toes for my kiddos and if I drank when I was responsible for them it would impair me in some fashion. And goodness knows what mischief my two would get into! :lol:

If I am having an adult party, it is just close friends who will be attending. I know their drinking habits and would not have any worries about them drinking too much or about how they would handle it if I told them they didn't need to be driving. I would also know for sure everyone's age if they did bring a guest.

Like I said in my original reply, it's just not worth the risk for a kid's party. :)

Yes, I do serve alcohol at non-kid parties and gatherings. And although the issues may seem simlar, I am able to differienate between the two. If I am having a kid party then some of the guests may not be close friends -- there may be some parents who also have a child at her preschool that I just don't know very well. Not everyone approves of drinking and even more don't approve of drinking in front of kids. I would hate to unintentionally offend someone. Also, I wouldn't know what their drinking habits are or how they would handle it if I told them I thought they shouldn't be driving. JMO, I don't think drinking alcohol and watching kids generally mix. I need to be on my toes for my kiddos and if I drank when I was responsible for them it would impair me in some fashion. And goodness knows what mischief my two would get into! :lol:

If I am having an adult party, it is just close friends who will be attending. I know their drinking habits and would not have any worries about them drinking too much or about how they would handle it if I told them they didn't need to be driving. I would also know for sure everyone's age if they did bring a guest.

Like I said in my original reply, it's just not worth the risk for a kid's party. :)I can see how you differentiate. Like I said in my original post, none of our kids parties have included kids whose parents we don't know - they are all our friends who have kids. So even if we have beer there, we watch consumption & driving just as we would with an all-adult party - I see that we'd be at fault no matter what the circumstances. :nod:

I agree. Not only would it upset me if someone had a few and drove with their kids, it could potentially cost me EVERYTHING. In most jurisdictions, if you provide alcohol to someone who then has an accident, you are liable for the damages caused, ie. you loose your home, your savings, etc.

If I decided to serve it, I'd be very careful about watching consumption and wathcing who is driving home. Also, I'd be wary of those under 21 drinking. Not only could you be liable for civil damages, you could be imprisoned for providing alcohol to an underaged person and if a death occured in an accident, you could be imprisoned for murder. Too many risks for me at a kids birthday party. :)

I need to find my chart with the number of drinks it takes to blow at or above legal BAC level. It is surprisingly low. I've had to sit in on several training sessions where volunteers drink, then blow, then "act up" for us. It was really shocking how little alcohol it takes for some to become impaired. For that reason, I don't drink at ALL before I drive. And I would NEVER drink a drop then drive my kids.

Okay, climbing down from my soapbox now. :)

Whatever happened to having a little fun? :lol: I don't class a child's birthday party as any different to any other social occasion. If someone got drunk at any gathering at my home, I wouldn't allow them to drive home. But people don't tend to go all out and get stinking drunk at a party during the day. It's just a few drinks to socialise and celebrate.

ITA with Dawnie and Lissa! :nod: First, it's a child's birthday party. It's about the kid, regardless of who comes. Things should be age appropriate, IMO. And I know I would be really uncomfortable with little kids and open beers around. Second, you can have a perfectly good time WITHOUT alcohol! I hate the "I have to have a few drinks before I can really party" attitude. This isn't high school! :rolleyes:

My thoughts exactly Theresa!!!!

I really don't see the big deal :dunno: far be it from me to critize someone for not having alcohol at a party but it's not like I'm holding a kegger party and we're getting out of hand, most my friends/family have drinks at home infront of their children so how is this any different?

I don't think any of us think we're still in high school. But responsible adults can enjoy an alcoholic drink without getting drunk. The assumption that alcohol at a kids birthday party will lead to drink-driving with kids in the car is far-fetched. If a parent is going to drive drunk with their kids in the car, then they've got bigger problems then you serving them a beer.

This isn't high school! :rolleyes:

No, it isn't.

Just as in any of these types of situations, we all are bound to have differing opinions and I respect yours, but disagree.

I choose to associate with people who are responsible. I don't invite people to my home in general, let alone to a party for my kids who are going to act inappropriately, let alone get bombed on beers with children around.

I don't make any secret of the fact that I like to drink, but I would never do it in a way that would endanger my kids, embarrass them, etc. I don't drink and drive. If I do have a drink outside of my home, I make sure to follow limits and allow appropriate time to pass before operating a car. I expect the same of my friends and guests to my home. I give them the choice and so far I have not been dissapointed.

Cheers. :toast: To each his own.

I don't really see the big deal either, to me alcohol is a part of life. I would rather model responsible drinking in front of my kids than hide if from them and have them go crazy with it later.

That said, all of Jackson's birthday parties so far have been with kids that we know really well, and we know their parents really well. They have been more adult parties since there are way more adults there than kids. Once his parties are comprised of mostly kids, especially kids who are from school and I don't know their parents, I probably wouldn't serve alcohol. For right now, his parties are really no different from other parties we have, so I don't see the need to withold alcohol.

We take Hanna's birthday as an opportunity to bring all our friends together so we have have a great afternoon party where everyone eats and drinks in moderation. It's more about the getting together for us than the drinking (unlike the old days!)

We take Hanna's birthday as an opportunity to bring all our friends together so we have have a great afternoon party where everyone eats and drinks in moderation. It's more about the getting together for us than the drinking (unlike the old days!)

:nod: Stagg brewed a special beer in celebration of Maggie's first birthday party. It was neat having specially labelled beers with her on them as part of the celebration. We choose to associate with responsible people, so we don't really worry about people getting blasted and driving with their kids.

:nod: Stagg brewed a special beer in celebration of Maggie's first birthday party. It was neat having specially labelled beers with her on them as part of the celebration.

Us too :aok: (and sheila designed the labels for me :biggrin: ) People LOVED those beers.

And I know I would be really uncomfortable with little kids and open beers around. Second, you can have a perfectly good time WITHOUT alcohol! I hate the "I have to have a few drinks before I can really party" attitude. This isn't high school! :rolleyes:
It has nothing to do with "partying." To me, it's just a nice way to relax and hang out with friends. :dunno:

Oh, and all of the kids who are around are used to seeing beer, and have never once (okay, except when they were a baby and grabbing at EVERYTHING) touched a beer.

I think it's fine to serve beer and/or wine and we usually do have alchohol at kid parties. Sometime you need a few beers to put up with a house full of screaming kids (that was a joke, btw :lol: )

My mom stays very worried about any children accidentally consuming a drink and becoming ill but I've never had a problem with that. As others mentioned, it's not like a college party where there are beer bottles on every surface and all of our friends are responsible enough to keep their drinks out of reach of children.

At adult parties, people tend to drink a bit more than they do at a child's party. If most of our friends didn't drink, I could see skipping the alcohol but that is not the case.

I don't expect people to change their habits for me when I visit their house so I would hope people would not be offended if they came into my home and realized we serve alcohol.

I've never done it, but I think it's totally fine. :nod:

I think it's fine if it's a family or "parents friends" party. If it's a "kids from school" party then I don't think it's appropriate.

We don't drink at all, (had apple cider at our wedding :lick: ) and would never serve beer/alcohol at any birthday party. Its for the kids IMO. I invite only people with small kids and close family/friends. No one ever cared that there was no beer :lol: I always keep all the activites, food and favors kid friendly too.

ETA: it also bothers me to see people who have partys for small children and then serve/drink beer. I belive the party should be about the child (who's birthday it is), not adults.

We have beer and wine available at any gathering at our house, regardless of the occasion. Some people like enjoying a cocktail while standing around and chatting with other adults. I see nothing wrong with it. To me, it's the same as having other options of liquids available to drink~ "would you like water, soda, a beer or some wine?" Nobody has ever had more than a drink or two and is not any way impaired when they leave the house, as they've been there for hours.

We do not provide alcohol at our kids' parties because Jim and I don't feel it is appropriate. It's a KID party. Alcohol should be saved for grown up parties IMO.

I agree. It's perfectly OK not to offer alcohol. It's just not necessary. Guests can stand around and chat over a glass of Coke just as easily.

What bothers me more than alcohol at kids' parties is alcohol at baby showers. They served alcohol at my baby shower and it did bother me but I didn't know about it until people were already drinking so it was too late then.

I think every aspect of a party should be geared toward the guest of honor, be it a child or a mother-to-be.

As an EMT and former volunteer firefighter, I have seen accidents caused by someone who thought they were drinking "responsibly" and stated they only had one or two. All it takes is ONE sometimes and personally that is not a risk I'm willing to take. I do not drink and drive and I would NEVER even consider having something alcoholic then get behind the wheel with my kids in the car. Driving is dangerous enough as it is, why add to the equation?

Perhaps my opinion is too conservative on the issue because I have seen first hand what could happen. Having to help cut someone out of a car because they smashed into a tree or having to cut an innocent person out of their vehicle after a drunk driver smashed into them tends to stick in your memory. Yes, these are the more serious cases versus simple fender benders but you just never know.

I'll graciously step down off my soap box now and out of this thread. I just felt the need to add the above.

Clare, trust me, I can have fun! :lol:

I think what Dawnie said about seeing the harm/damage first hand really affects your personal choices. Although I haven't seen the physical damage, I have seen the legal damage. Like Dawnie said, it's just not a risk I want to take for a kid's party. :)

Also, although some drink around their kids, I don't at this young age. We have liquor in the house and I do drink. And at some point as the kids get older, we'll have the alcohol discussion.

Ok I don't know about anyone else but most of our friends designate a driver if there is going to be any drinking, mind you it's not generally thought of at a kids party but still if someone is drinking that much someone else drives :dunno:

I think it totally depends on the age of the child and the guest list. If we're inviting Nathaniel's daycare class over for his birthday, I'm not serving any alcohol. I don't know the parents really well and it would be a totally kid-oriented party. On the other hand if we had a party for his birthday and only invited our close friends who have kids, I would be fine with serving alcohol. As the kids get older I expect that we'll have a "family" party (where alcohol might be served) and a "kid" party where alcohol would not be served. Somehow I don't think Gymboree allows you to bring beer to your kid's birthday party!!! :lol:
In the case of a bbq at our house with people we know well, I would probably have beer and wine.

Amanda

Ok I don't know about anyone else but most of our friends designate a driver if there is going to be any drinking, mind you it's not generally thought of at a kids party but still if someone is drinking that much someone else drives :dunno:

Exactly. I don't know why people assume their guests will drink and drive. When we go to social gatherings where there's alcohol, one of us drinks and the other doesn't. And it's that way with everyone we know.

Exactly. I don't know why people assume their guests will drink and drive. When we go to social gatherings where there's alcohol, one of us drinks and the other doesn't. And it's that way with everyone we know.

Same with us - to me drinking and drinking and driving are not the same thing. :dunno:

My kids birthday parties are always just our smallish family and very close friends. Family and friends enjoy being able to have a beer or glass of wine. It's always the same people...my parents, IL's, grandma, brother and SIL, brother and GF, BIL and SIL, Aunt and Uncles, Avery's godmother and her fiance, and our other set of friends with their kids. Most people will drink, some do not, and no one overindulges. Alcohol is always offered at family parties on both sides.

Now, if Avery or Sabrina wanted to have a party for just their little friends, then that's a whole other ball of wax so to say, so no alcohol would be served. I think there's a difference between types of parties. Since our parties are more "adult centered" at this point, we make sure that the adults are also catered to.

Funny enough, we went to a birthday party today for our close friend's son, and there was no alcohol. They never serve it because they don't drink it.

I think if you are having friends and family there then there is no problem. I don't see it any different than Christmas or other family gatherings where alcohol is served and kids are present!

If I was just inviting school friends and parents stayed just to watch over there children and I had no friends or family there, then no I wouldn't really bother.

I don't know why it is thought that when alcohol is served that it means that no one can control themselves :rolleyes: I know I can have a wine or two then stop.. THAT is the difference between highschool and Adulthood I don't know why it is implied anyone that drinks is being "highschool"

I also think that the notion of gearing a party towards the guest of honour is a little odd, but that's just me... If I am the guest of honour I want everyone to be enjoying themselves and being as relaxed as possible. If I was a vegetarian I would do vege and meat option for all my guests, so same goes for alcohol in my book... I give soft and alcoholic options.

If I go to a party I do not get upset if alcohol is not served, so I expect the same in return if people come and find there is alcohol served. It's the hosts choice!

Several people have talked about how their guests do not drink and drive. And while this may the case for the majority of the time, it is not the case all of the time.

Also, I wanted to say again how amazingly small of a quantity can impair your driving. Some people just don't realize that this is a fact. I'm not saying people get sloshed. They don't feel drunk nor are they acting it. BUT when put to the test, their abilities are impaired.

And as for gearing the party toward the guest of honor being odd....It's a birthday party for the child. I'm not going to have cocktails and adult movies (not porn..just adult themed :lol: ) for a kid's party. I'm going to gear it toward and for the guest of honor.

We do not serve alcohol at birthday parties, IMHO it's a kid's party geared towards kids not the adults bringing the kids.
Actually, we're not big drinkers and the only time we have some kind of alcohol is at family get togethers (xmas, thanksgiving, family reunion mostly) and it's either margaritas or wine, no hard liquor.
I know, we're boring by some people's standards/opinions but we don't feel like we're missing anything or dampering our fun by not drinking. That's just how it works in our family & circle of friends.
BTW, my Dad is an alcoholic so drinking has never seem "something fun to do" to me.

I know, we're boring by some people's standards/opinions but we don't feel like we're missing anything or dampering our fun by not drinking. That's just how it works in our family & circle of friends.


I don't think that anybody thinks that you're boring, Mary (I certainly don't.) And nobody is saying that you must have alcohol at all social gatherings. What we are saying is that it's okay if you do and okay if you don't. You are right, it's what works for you and your family and friends.

Several people have talked about how their guests do not drink and drive. And while this may the case for the majority of the time, it is not the case all of the time.



And what we are also saying is that the drivers are not necessarily the ones having a beer. If you read back, you'll see that several posts state that most people have a designated driver. One drinks, the other drives.

And what we are also saying is that the drivers are not necessarily the ones having a beer. If you read back, you'll see that several posts state that most people have a designated driver. One drinks, the other drives.

Clare, I'm not saying that your friends don't operate without a DD. Or that anyone else does or does not. But if you read on the first page, you'll find at least 2 posts that don't distinguish between those who don't drink at all and drive and between those who drink but not too much and drive. I don't know if they meant they all had DD. I stand by my opinion that it doesn't take much to impair you and that you don't have to be legally intoxicated to be impaired.

The original poster asked the question. And I have posted my opinion thatI would not have alcohol at a kid's party. And I'm explaining why I have that opinion. People don't have to agree with me. :)

Several people have talked about how their guests do not drink and drive. And while this may the case for the majority of the time, it is not the case all of the time.
I am not going to disagree with you at all...but I don't see any difference in having alcohol at a kids birthday party (that is more family/family friends centered) and having it at a family BBQ where kids are present.

I am not going to disagree with you at all...but I don't see any difference in having alcohol at a kids birthday party (that is more family/family friends centered) and having it at a family BBQ where kids are present.

I guess if we ever had it at a family bbq where kids were present, I might see the whole issue differently. But we don't. My family rarely if ever drinks and no one drinks in front of the kids. :)

I guess if we ever had it at a family bbq where kids were present, I might see the whole issue differently. But we don't. My family rarely if ever drinks and no one drinks in front of the kids. :)Ah, I must have misunderstood your earlier posts. I really did think that you were saying you did. And you aside (even though I quoted you :) ), my point stands for anyone who would look at those situations differently.

I think the whole thing depends on the guests.

I have two parties for my children. One that is family/family friends and one that is their friends. I would never think of serving if it was a child/friend party. Most of the parties the parents don't stay at but even if they do I have pop for those. I don't want to even be an issue. Now with our family/friend parties I will have it. I know my friends. I know that they are responsible adults and many of them have children. I am friends with people who like me know that drinking and driving is a huge no no and we would never do it. If someone drinks they don't drive. If I were to be inviting people that I didn't know and or know them to be responsible then I wouldn't serve alcohol.

I would think that the people you would be inviting to your house you would know and know well enough weather or not they were responsible people.

I don't think that anybody thinks that you're boring, Mary (I certainly don't.) And nobody is saying that you must have alcohol at all social gatherings. What we are saying is that it's okay if you do and okay if you don't. You are right, it's what works for you and your family and friends.
Oh, I wasn't refering to anybody over here really. IRL we've had some people not wanting to come to our parties or make comments because alcohol wasn't being served... they were invited and if that's what stops them for coming that's their own loss as far as I'm concerned.
I had to agree that maybe if the kid parties were just family (kind of like a get together) I guess we might consider it but since it's usually friends/schoolmates from Eliot's school we just geared it for the kids and add extra food and sodas for the adults that come.
I'm really not meaning to put anybody down or try to change people's opinion, I'm a pretty easy going person and if that's what works for you as long as it doesn't affect me or my family more than likely it won't bother me at all :)

I also have to add that seeing and hearing about alcohol related disasters it turns me off wanting a drink at all, especially when they happen so close to my home like the one that happen friday right at the greenbelt at the end of my street where two people died... when will people understand that drinking and driving doesn't mix especially when you add speed to the mix?!? :disbelief:
Not trying to rag on anybody or anything like that, just adding to my thoughts.

I also have to add that seeing and hearing about alcohol related disasters it turns me off wanting a drink at all, especially when they happen so close to my home like the one that happen friday right at the greenbelt at the end of my street where two people died... when will people understand that drinking and driving doesn't mix especially when you add speed to the mix?!? :disbelief:
Not trying to rag on anybody or anything like that, just adding to my thoughts.How people can be so stupid to drink & drive in this day and age when it's been made clear for decades now what a bad, deadly decision it is...well, it's beyond me. :sad:

I agree Alyssa, It is beyond me how people can drink and drive too!!

And I just wanted to clarify my point on gearing the party towards the guest of honour,I meant in relation to when it's a 1 year old party where the majority of people there are adults or the comment on the baby shower where all are adults but because the guest of honour doesn't like to drink meaning no one else can.. :awink: sorry if it came off wrong, I am still on holiday and have serious holiday brain! :nod:

We drink, but my family doesn't (other than my brother) so we typically do not serve alcohol at family gatherings (including holidays; easter, thanksgiving, etc.). Last year, however, at the 4th of July party at my parents' house, my uncle brought beer and he and a few others had a beer or two. Big deal :dunno: No one said anything and no one got sloshed. That said, no one left that night either, they all slept outside in the backyard and in the camping trailer :blush1:

We haven't ever had the kids' parties at our house, so we haven't had the opportunity to serve alcohol. However, I doubt that we would, simply for the fact that no one invited would drink it other than my brother, John and I, so it is a waste of money.

I see no problem with it as long as all parties involved are responsible. :dunno: I personally would just make sure I was the first one to leave, just in case :blush1:

I think the whole thing depends on the guests....I would never think of serving if it was a child/friend party.

I wouldn't either. But my kids aren't of an age where I've had the opportunity to have these types of parties yet. And once we do, they will be kid-only (parents drop off the kid and come back to get them). I obviously wouldn't have alcohol at something like that.

However, our parties are all family/neighbor centered, and are more like a get-together. And everyone responsibly drinks. In front of the kids. My 2 year olds know what beer and wine are and will point them out to you. They also know that they are only for mommies and daddies and grandmas and grandpas. If you ask them what they drink, they tell you, "milk, water, applejuice!" (this includes my 4YO)

I wouldn't either. But my kids aren't of an age where I've had the opportunity to have these types of parties yet. And once we do, they will be kid-only (parents drop off the kid and come back to get them). I obviously wouldn't have alcohol at something like that.

However, our parties are all family/neighbor centered, and are more like a get-together. And everyone responsibly drinks. In front of the kids. My 2 year olds know what beer and wine are and will point them out to you. They also know that they are only for mommies and daddies and grandmas and grandpas. If you ask them what they drink, they tell you, "milk, water, applejuice!" (this includes my 4YO)

I guess this is what I've been trying to say all along. :nod: