I would refrain in this situation or any situation is which someone cares. And I do not have any problem with parents that choose to completely abstain from giving their children sips. But as to why give sips at all......
First, it is not illegal in many states for parents to serve alcohol to their own children regardless of age. The details of this also varies by states. In some states you can even order a beer for your underage child in a restaurant.
Second, I think the law is whack anyway. It is the rare 21 yo that has not consumed before legal age. "Forbidding" it only makes it more appealing. I would rather my dc have responsible experiences with it before she is an adult. I think the jury is out of the theories of forbidden fruit when it comes to alcohol and there is likely no "right" was to do it. Lacking any hard data, I have to go with my feelings that treating it responsibly and not as some forbidden treat is going to go further to help avoid consumption problems in the future that forbidding it outright. I do not go around disregarding all laws I disagree with, but if I see no harm in going against a law that has very little chance of ramifications AND that I believe to be senseless, I will ignore it. Talk to me about educational laws, immunization laws, segregation laws of the past, etc...... It is even illegal to SWEAR in my state
Third, I doubt there is a single case of an establishment losing their liquor license, someone going to jail, or anyone's wedding being ruined by the legal implications of a parent giving a child a *sip* of champagne at a wedding. Are people really thinking the authorities are going to do a raid on a wedding due to a sip? I understand the people who say they would rather not give their kids sips because it is illegal and I respect that. But to really say that a sip and a child is going to result in any sort of legal implications to the wedding couple or the establishment is more than a bit unrealistic.
Fourth, it tastes good and I like to share pleasant experiences with my dc. We enjoy wine tastings, micobrews, and home made recipes. Most things are not appealing to dd. She does not like most wines and long ago quit asking for sips. But she does enjoy a sip or two of a hoppy brew and I see no reason not to share. We do not drink it to get drunk and she would never have more than 2 sips herself. The same goes for good chocolate, baked goods, and outright junk food.....all things that could be harmful if consumed in large quantities or frequently (just like alcohol) but have their occasional place.
First, it is not illegal in many states for parents to serve alcohol to their own children regardless of age. The details of this also varies by states. In some states you can even order a beer for your underage child in a restaurant.
Second, I think the law is whack anyway. It is the rare 21 yo that has not consumed before legal age. "Forbidding" it only makes it more appealing. I would rather my dc have responsible experiences with it before she is an adult. I think the jury is out of the theories of forbidden fruit when it comes to alcohol and there is likely no "right" was to do it. Lacking any hard data, I have to go with my feelings that treating it responsibly and not as some forbidden treat is going to go further to help avoid consumption problems in the future that forbidding it outright. I do not go around disregarding all laws I disagree with, but if I see no harm in going against a law that has very little chance of ramifications AND that I believe to be senseless, I will ignore it. Talk to me about educational laws, immunization laws, segregation laws of the past, etc...... It is even illegal to SWEAR in my state
Third, I doubt there is a single case of an establishment losing their liquor license, someone going to jail, or anyone's wedding being ruined by the legal implications of a parent giving a child a *sip* of champagne at a wedding. Are people really thinking the authorities are going to do a raid on a wedding due to a sip? I understand the people who say they would rather not give their kids sips because it is illegal and I respect that. But to really say that a sip and a child is going to result in any sort of legal implications to the wedding couple or the establishment is more than a bit unrealistic.
Fourth, it tastes good and I like to share pleasant experiences with my dc. We enjoy wine tastings, micobrews, and home made recipes. Most things are not appealing to dd. She does not like most wines and long ago quit asking for sips. But she does enjoy a sip or two of a hoppy brew and I see no reason not to share. We do not drink it to get drunk and she would never have more than 2 sips herself. The same goes for good chocolate, baked goods, and outright junk food.....all things that could be harmful if consumed in large quantities or frequently (just like alcohol) but have their occasional place.
