The subject of teen drinking has been an ongoing conversation in our house for the past few months. It's completely rampant. It's completely available. And it's completely frightening.
We have rules. When invited to a party, there must be a parent there.
We encourage good choices.
We remind them about peer pressure, and how not to succumb.
We tell them horror stories, about drunk driving accidents, alcohol poisoning, vomiting, acting stupid.
We are fighting an uphill battle. There will always be kids who's parents aren't as vigilant as we try to be. There will always be kids who want to bring your kid down to their level. There will always be parties, where, though supervised, booze makes it way into the front door.
I want my daughters to have fun with their friends. I want them to make good choices.
If we are made aware of a dangerous situation, we act upon it.
Last night, we were made aware of the fact that our daughter was at a party, with no parent at home. In charge was the 18 year old brother of the boy that invited her.
I can easily make the assumption that if no parents are about, there will be alcohol.
We picked her up and brought her home.
If you are 15 years old, this is about as embarrassing as can be. I recognize this. I actually feel bad about this. But I'm not going to take any chances when I'm made aware of a situation.
I'm constantly reminded by her, that the other kids' parents don't care like we do. (As if this is a bad thing)...I can't believe that. I can't believe that other parents would turn the other cheek if they were made aware of the situation, as we were last night.
Do I expect her to make it through her high school years without being exposed to temptation like drugs and alcohol? Of course not. I can't make it go away,(oh how I wish I could!); but I can't condone it either.
Aaarggh!
This is so much harder than I thought it would be!!!!!!!!
