What do you think of a mother who lets her 12 year old daughter drink alcohol?

Hello everyone!

What do you think of a mother who lets her 12 year old daughter drink alcohol?

This question is linked to another discussion I started two months ago here titled "Should I get in touch with a 12 year old daughter that I never met?"

Last Sunday, I met this 12 year old daughter. It turns out that my daughter is allowed to drink cider, on a regular basis. I was shocked. My ex-girlfriend said that cider is not as bad as other alcohol. But in Britain, cider is regarded by government researchers as equally dangerous as most other alcoholic drinks. With cider, the lower price means that the poor people are able to drink more of it and thus increase their alchohol-dependency.

The real issue here is parenting and alcohol. What do you all think?

Nooooooo 12 years should not drink, in Texas you are allowed to drink at 15 if you have a parent within arms length at ALL times. fun fact...

12 is a bit young, but if it's under adult supervision and she knows the consequences of drinking too much then it's up to the parent really. It depends how much she drinks and how regularly she drinks it.

I think government recommendations suggest 12 is the best age to let children experience alcohol. Giving a kid a can of cider at 12 may be a little much but a small glass of cider or beer or a few sips of beer at 12 is probably right and normal.

I mean I was sort of given sips of wine from 10 onwards and was given half cans of lager or a small glass of sparkling wine for celebrations like new year or birthdays from about 12 I think. By 14/15 I was given a bottle or two of beer on a Friday night.

Agree - depends on whether there is adult supervision,
and depends on how often it happens, is the amount restricted, and does the child understand the bigger picture. We had sips of our Dad's beer, especially from ten on. If we would of wanted more, we probably would of been given more, but none of us cared much for the taste of
it.

Dayumm! Ours is 21.

The mother should be slapped! How can she be so irresponsible with her kid?!

I drank a bit at 12. No big deal really.

My mother told me I was given a bit of Cognac when I was a baby before my circumcision. but that was normal back then ... glug . .. waaaa .. waaa .. ouch ... hic!

I think it depends greatly on the circumstances and quanties we're talking about, as well as the overall bigger picture as far as how psychologically and emotionally healthy and well-adjusted she is.

It would depend on the amount of alcohol consumed in one sitting I think.

If your ex is teaching her about responsible drinking by allowing her a drink or 2, I approve.

But if your talking about a 12 year old getting rolling drunk every weekend, then say goodbye to your kids brain cells now.

It depends on a few things I think, the circumstances, how much alcohol and the maturity of the child. I mean, most children that age are starting to experiment with alcohol, surely it is better for it to happen under supervision and control, and she is clear about the dangers and consequences.

Though, cider? It's possibly one of the worst things you can drink in large quantities. Though, it's also one of the easiest things to start off drinking with, aside from alcopops She probably believe that myth that cider isn't bad because it's made from apples!

My Mum and Grandparents went the 'French' way, and gave me watered down wine with my Sunday dinner from 5, but that didn't make them bad parents and I've always had a very healthy outlook on alcohol (I think anyways).

Given her mother's history I think it is a terrible idea.

alcohol builds character, these parents know what theyre doing and people would always be jealous.
jk thats the worst mother ever!! kids are supposed to sneak alcohol THAT builds character

Growing up, my sister and I (only after we were 6) would have a tiny glass of wine(about 1 1/2 oz.) with our supper, usually mixed with ginger ale, along with our parents.

Also for celebrations and such, we were allowed very small amounts wine or champagne. Our dad would also let us taste his beer(2 sips at the most, we mostly liked the foam ) or any liqueur he had(a very tiny sip)

It was a normal thing in our family. My parents grew up the same way.

As long as she is not getting drunk and she's not drinking it all the time, I don't see a problem with it.