Guest Author - Trish Deneen
There is a movement that aims at decreasing instances of parents hosting parties for their kids where alcohol is allowed. Some parents may wonder what the harm is. They think that they're preventing drunk driving accidents. But besides underage drinking being illegal no matter who is hosting the party, there are a number of other concerns that these parents may not be aware of.
Alcohol Party Dangers
Recently in my home state, a young teenage girl was sexually assaulted by at least 2 boys in a hotel room reserved by parents for a school dance and alcohol may have been involved. The parents were not present but left kids in charge of the room. Even if you plan on staying at the party and it's on your property, you still run the risk of something like this happening on your premises.
Your children may or may not be innocent. But do you really know the motivations of every kid at the party? No matter how well you know a child or their parents, you shouldn't take the chance of a crime happening against any of the guests at the party.
Why would you run this risk of harm coming to the kids or the legal risk of crimes happening on your property where you encouraged underage drinking? You could possibly be held criminally responsible depending on where you live as well as subject to civil damages. That means you could be arrested, pay a fine or both. Would you do this just to be considered the cool parent? Is that really worth the physical or psychological damage that could occur?
It also seems incredibly naive to suppose that hosting a party actually prevents auto accidents, especially at large events. Many teenagers have their own vehicles or are allowed to drive their parents' cars and will still get behind the wheel after drinking no matter how diligent you think you've been.
Is This Abuse?
Finally, I want to discuss the possibility that this behavior is actually abusive. I know that goes against the grain for some parents who think they would never hurt their child.
Think about the attitudes you may be instilling in your kids including that it's okay to break the law, an unrealistic view of the effects of alcohol, and that underage drinking is harmless. This can lead to not thinking before doing and not accepting responsibility for the actions they've taken.
The society you unleash your kids upon with this attitude may not be so forgiving as you are now if they do not take into consideration the consequences of their actions. I personally believe it is abusive to send your kids off into the world so ill equipped to deal with reality.
While these scenarios may sound extreme, I urge you to reconsider hosting an alcohol event for your children. Consider hosting an alcohol-free party instead. You not only are teaching them respect for the law, themselves and others, but you may just save a life or prevent attacks on minors.
Source consulted:
Favot, Angie. Allen Park: Teen charged with assaulting girl at hotel party. The News Herald: The Voice of Downriver, October 12, 2010.
