My partner and I enjoy our fair share of drinks, often stocking up on beer, wine, and an assortment of spirits. Our basement has shelves lined with bottles – some full, others half-empty, a few nearly gone – while our refrigerators are stocked with various beers and a few cases of wine, especially after a trip to the grocery store.
We have two teenage sons who often spend their time gaming or hanging out with friends. Recently, a colleague of mine expressed shock when I mentioned that we don’t keep our alcohol secured. She was aghast that we would allow it to be accessible to our teens without supervision. At first, I was taken aback. Why hadn’t I even considered locking it up? As a responsible parent, shouldn’t I be more vigilant? The thought of my boys potentially accessing the liquor left me feeling uneasy.
Would they actually attempt to drink a beer or sample some whiskey? Honestly, I doubted they would even try the wine – they can barely remember to do their chores! But what if they somehow did? The real worry set in when I envisioned a scenario where they might experiment. What if a friend dared them to take a sip? I could picture the dreaded phone call: “Your son is drunk and needs a ride home.” I’d have to confess that the alcohol came from our home, likely leading to some juicy gossip at the next school meeting.
However, after a moment of reflection, I realized that my boys are fundamentally responsible. They maintain good grades, adhere to their curfews, and show respect to others. They’ve earned my trust, and I believe they understand the difference between right and wrong. If they were to try a sip, I imagined they’d recoil at the burn of whiskey, rather than indulge any further.
When they were younger, I didn’t hide knives or lock up cleaning supplies. I wanted them to learn by asking questions and experiencing life. They’ve heard stories from my youth about mistakes I made, hoping those lessons would resonate with them. Their grandparents trusted me, just as I trust my sons now. Making mistakes is part of growing up, but I believe they are equipped to handle the temptations that come their way.
I know my children aren’t perfect, and I don’t expect them to always make the right choices. But I refuse to lock away our alcohol. As a parent, I value open communication about difficult topics like underage drinking and the importance of honesty. I set clear boundaries while also fostering an environment where they can learn and grow.
Ultimately, I hope that they are listening to our conversations and understanding the values we share. After all, it’s all about trust and communication.
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Summary
The author discusses the decision not to lock up alcohol in their home, emphasizing the importance of trust, communication, and responsible parenting. While acknowledging the potential risks, they highlight their sons’ good behavior and the lessons learned from their own experiences. By fostering open dialogue and setting clear boundaries, they hope to guide their children through adolescence safely.