My partner and I enjoy our drinks, often indulging in a few too many. We always have a stash of beer in the fridge, and after a trip to the local wine shop, you might find a couple of cases of wine gracing our shelves. Our assortment of spirits is stored in the basement, where bottles are either full, half-empty, or nearly depleted.
With two teenage boys who frequently host friends for gaming sessions, one might wonder, do we keep our alcohol locked away? A friend of mine was shocked to learn that we don’t. When I mentioned that our liquor sits openly on a shelf in the basement, she gasped in disbelief. “Aren’t you worried about the kids?” she asked. Honestly, I hadn’t even considered it—why would I need to hide it?
After her reaction, I had a moment of panic. Would my sons dare to sneak a drink? Would they be tempted to try the whiskey or the Southern Comfort? I mean, I know they wouldn’t touch the wine. They can barely remember to clean their rooms, let alone figure out how to use a wine opener! But what if they did? What if a friend dared them? The possibilities spiraled in my mind, leading to thoughts of phone calls saying, “Your son is inebriated and needs a ride home.” I could envision the awkward conversation explaining where the alcohol came from—oh, the drama!
However, as I reflected on our boys, I realized that they are responsible kids. They maintain good grades, respect curfews, and show kindness to others. This holds true for their friends as well. Just because they might be curious doesn’t mean they would make reckless choices. They’ve earned my trust, and I believe they know the difference between right and wrong. If they did decide to take a sip of whiskey, I trust that the burn would be enough to deter them from trying it again.
When they were younger, I didn’t hide sharp objects or lock cabinets. I wanted them to learn from their experiences, to ask questions, and to know that mistakes are part of growing up. They’ve heard stories of my own teenage misadventures—like sneaking out or attending wild parties—and I’ve always emphasized the lessons learned from those choices. They know their grandparents took similar chances with me.
Let’s be real; my boys aren’t perfect. I’m not naive enough to think they’ll always make the right decisions, but I refuse to lock up our alcohol. I am the mom who understands that sometimes, poor choices are part of the teenage experience. I’m also the mom who talks openly about underage drinking, safe practices, and the importance of honesty. I maintain boundaries, but I also hope that my openness encourages them to make responsible choices.
In essence, I trust my boys to navigate these decisions wisely. As we continue this parenting journey, I can only hope that they absorb the lessons we share and that our alcohol supply remains intact.
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Summary
In this article, Jessica shares her thoughts on why she chooses not to lock up alcohol in her home despite having teenage sons. Trusting her children’s judgment and maintaining open communication about choices are central to her parenting philosophy. She reflects on her own youthful experiences while emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes.
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