Mum Disgusted At Her Friend For Allowing Four Year Old A Sip Of Wine!

Although we know there are different types of parents in this world we still find ourselves surprised when someone parents differently to us.

Take for example one mortified mother who took to Mumsnet recently to let the world know how horrified she was with her friend’s actions. You see, while she was at his place for dinner she felt compelled to get up and leave after something her friend did.

That ‘something’ was allowing his four year old daughter to have a sip of wine. That’s it. The friend was in his OWN house giving his OWN daughter a sip of wine.

Mumsnet comment

The mum, going by the name RoseGardenDreams said she felt like this wasn’t the first time the four year old had been allowed to drink. And although she was mortified by her friend’s actions she was “too shocked” to speak out.

So instead of saying anything, she made an excuse to leave the dinner party. “Am I being unreasonable?” she asked.

The horrified mum took to the parenting forum to voice her disgust in hopes of finding support in her decision to walk out. Unfortunately for her the majority of comments were all about how ‘dramatic’ she was being and how much of an overreaction walking out was.

There were a few however who thought alcohol for kids was a definite no-no.
- Musmnet
The story brings up an interesting discussion. Is it wrong to allow your kids a sip of wine here and there? And if it’s okay, at what age would that be?

I can only speak from experience when I say I don’t see anything wrong with allowing children a sip of wine on occasion. Coming from a European background, alcohol was very much a part of our daily lives. Wine was usually consumed over food and it was always done in moderation. I never grew up seeing parents drunk at the table and I was always allowed to have a sip of mum’s wine when I asked.

At weddings and other functions the kids would be allowed to try some spirits but it was only a little sip and it was always monitored. As a teenager I never had the desire to ‘drink to get drunk.’ Sure I would have a few drinks with friends but it wasn’t in excess and it wasn’t to the point where I had no recollection of my night (except for this one time…)!

What I’m trying to say is that I don’t believe giving children a sip of wine here or there is going to turn them into raving alcoholics. I think too much Peppa Pig will do that! I have always let my boys take a sip of wine if they asked for it and now that they know what it tastes like they don’t ask anymore- they much prefer a gin and tonic. Joking!

In all seriousness though, parenting is a tough gig at the best of times. Let’s not forget that the majority of parents want what’s best for their children and would never knowingly put them in harm’s way. So to answer your question RoseGradenDreams…yes I do think you were being unreasonable. What do you think?
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