Let me get straight to the point; what is the etiquette on drinking booze at a child’s party? Over the past few years I’ve been to quite a few parties with my children but it still baffles me.
I recently attended a birthday party where beer and wine had been laid on for the parents. To my amazement it was two hours before anyone cracked and had a drink (no, it wasn’t me!). This led me to question whether we all have some kind of collective children’s party booze guilt.
I’m not suggesting that parents should knock back flaming Sambucas until the early hours. We’re parents, we must behave responsibly. The thing is, these are social occasions that give us the chance to meet and socialise with the parents of our children’s friends. This isn’t necessarily a common occurrence, especially for parents that work (in particular fathers that don’t get to do the whole NCT thing). Under the circumstances I think we can be forgiven for relaxing and having a drink or two.
Last year we held a party to mark our eldest daughter’s birthday. We had about 10 children in the house and most of them came with mum and dad. We stocked up on beer and wine thinking the parents would at least have one drink but our supplies were barely touched.
What do you think? Do you allow yourself a drink or two at kids’ parties? Do you think it’s unacceptable? More to the point, are we invited to the wrong parties?
3 thoughts on “Drink at children’s parties, yea or nay?”
I think if drinking in a responsible way there is no real reason why parents shouldn’t drink alcohol at children’s parties. If good friends with the other parents I think it is less of an issue.
I think as long as you don’t get hammered its ok
Oh yes, mustn’t get hammered. Thankfully I’ve never witnessed drunk parents at a kid’s party and hope I never do because that would be dreadful.