Would you allow your child to drink alcohol before the legal age?

[Richie]

I know a number of people from watching TV shows / even some people in real life that allow their children to drink alcohol before the legal age, would you have a problem with your child drinking alcohol at a young age or is it fine once its not excessive?

[Phil]

I don't think I would mind the odd drink with the family and even with their friends as long as I know they are in a safe place and aren't drinking excessively. I started drinking at 14 (two months before I turned 15) and my parents didn't know. I would never want my kids to be up to what I was doing at that age but at the same time I'm not going to cage them in the house

[Calum0812]

I don't think the way I was brought up is an issue. From about 11 I had one drink at Christmas and around 15 I started to drink a few pints. Now I'm 16, my Mum doesn't mind too much if I drink because I know when too much is too much - that would be an important factor in me deciding whether my child got to drink alcohol before the legal age.

I also don't see a point to going out "to get drunk". I enjoy certain alcoholic drinks for the taste, not their percentage.

[Alysha]

I wouldn't mind at all, if it was in the home environment. I wouldn't be all too keen on them doing it at a random place, but it would never surprise me.

[welshcake]

I'm not letting them drink when they are young. >: (
EVEN A SIP

[Alysha]

I'm not letting them drink when they are young. >: (
EVEN A SIP

And that's why I'd be the cool parent.
My parents always said that if it was allowed in the home, they'd be less likely to go crazy if they were given the opportunity in the future.
I hardly drink, so you know, they've saved me a fortune

[MKR&*42]

Well on your own property the age is something like 7.. so yes I would in my own house if they were 16+

If they told me they were going to a bar to try and drink when they were 16 or something, I'd say no.

[welshcake]

And that's why I'd be the cool parent.
My parents always said that if it was allowed in the home, they'd be less likely to go crazy if they were given the opportunity in the future.
I hardly drink, so you know, they've saved me a fortune

well my parents don't drink AND NEITHER DO MY FUTURE CHILDREN IRL

[Chris]

I wouldn't have a problem with them trying it but I wouldn't allow them to drink more than a pint until they were of the legal age.

[Kellie]

I wouldn't really mind if they were at home with family round or something like Christmas etc. Not if they're too young though... A little wouldn't hurt.