Should Parents Allow Teenage Drinking

Parents are the shining star of guidance in their children's lives; it is the responsibility of parents to set an example for their children. The question on many peoples' minds is whether or not allowing one's children to drink at home is the right thing to do. Every family has a different perspective on the subject matter; while 21 is the legal drinking age there are 31 states in the union that allow children to drink alcohol in the confines of their own home. The discrepancies in state law is a big reason for the mixed feelings that families have on the subject.

The fact of the matter is that alcohol is a dangerous substance that, if used irresponsibly, can severely change one's life. Early drinking can lead to addiction, drunk driving, and risky sexual behavior which are all things that can affect one's life adversely. When is the right time to let your children start drinking? A safe rule is to wait till they are adults and have a more mature outlook on the subject matter. Teenagers have so many influences imploding on them at all times, parents need not encourage the practice of drinking because their children's friends outlook will outweigh theirs.

Please take a moment to watch the MSNBC's TODAY Show video below on the subject matter:

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