What strikes me as irresponsible is this: obviously, the most dangerous possible outcome of a child's drinking is maiming or killing him/herself or others in a drunk driving accident. Advising parents to avoid discussing strategies for avoiding suc
What strikes me as irresponsible is this: obviously, the most dangerous possible outcome of a childâs drinking is maiming or killing him/herself or others in a drunk driving accident. Advising parents to avoid discussing strategies for avoiding such accidents is horrible advice because a certain percentage of kids are going to drink regardless of whether itâs forbidden.
So, telling your son or daughter to call you if he/she is drunk and needs a ride could save the childâs life or the life of others. Isnât planting that seed the responsible approach? Shouldnât trying to prevent such sad accidents be the top priority in dealing with teenage drinking behavior? Sure, discussing this would send a âdouble messageâ that conflicts with a rules-and-discipline ideology; however, communicating the second part of that message might prevent maiming and death.
George Szabo
165 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook                          January 30, 2004