Last August, 19-year-old Jaclyn Bien died in an alcohol-related motorcycle accident. Bien’s family is suing the bike’s driver and the parents who, they say, hosted an underage drinking party. The suit alleges that the parents who hosted the party knew that the attendees were all underage and should not have been drinking.
Unfortunately, this has been happening more and more. I’m not sure what the rationale is for parents who allow their kids or others to drink in their home and then get on the road. I know a parent who allowed her underage son and his friends to drink at their home as long as they didn’t leave the house. Basically an underage- drinking- slumber- party. Was this supposed to make it okay for teens to drink?
I suppose some parents feel that their kids are going to get alcohol anyway so they may as well supply them with it and teach them to drink responsibly. If that’s how you want to raise your children that’s fine but why endanger the life of someone else’s child?
This is why it’s vitally important for parents to know who their children’s friends and their parents are. We also have to teach our kids what’s acceptable and what’s not and let them know that it’s okay for them to refuse drugs, alcohol or whatever. They shouldn’t let peer pressure make them cave in just because “everyone is doing it”. We should also let them know that just because Mary or Johnny’s parents let them drink at home does not mean they are somehow “cooler” than you are.
If your child will be attending a party at a friend’s house, remember it’s okay to flat out ask the parents who are hosting the party if alcohol will be served. Also, make sure one of the parents will be home at all times during the event. But most of all, make sure your kids know where you stand on the issue of underage drinking as well as drinking and driving. I realize that’s easier said than done and peers can be a great influence over our kids. But if we can make our kids understand that our number one priority is their safety, then hopefully they will always make the right decision.
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