Is it OK to serve beer at a kid’s party?
It’s hot out, there are hot dogs but it’s also a kid’s party -- should beer be served?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dad Vents
We celebrated my son’s 5th birthday this weekend with an Olympic Sports party and picnic in our backyard. It ran from 4 to 7 p.m., and we had about 12 kids and their parents. Track and field games were played and hot dogs and cake were served.
One of our friends reminded me last week to be sure to pick up some beer for the event, which never would have occurred to me. Coke, Diet Coke, water, lemonade — these were all on my list. I hadn’t even considered beer.
When we attend BBQs and parties at our friends’ houses there is usually beer and wine served (even when kids are present). But this was a party for a child not just a party where kids would be present. Does that make a difference?
I knew most of the parents attending but not all.
What do you think: Would you serve beer at a kid’s party?
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Moms deserving of special thanks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Every day I spend my time talking to moms. I meet them on the playground, doctor’s offices and even in the airport, and I always feel compelled to ask them about their children. They usually open right up and talk about the joys of raising their kids, as well as the challenges they are facing.
While all mothers are special and take on the extremely difficult task of rearing loving, responsible children, I wanted to take some time this Mother’s Day to focus on some moms who are dealing with some extraordinary challenges. I wanted to share with you some moms that I admire most:
Single Mothers — Every time my husband goes out of town for a few days, I feel like I’m getting a small taste of what it would be like to be single mom. I can’t imagine the stress of being solely responsible for the safety, health, financial and daily care of my children. I am so impressed by mothers who bravely take on these tasks and whose children thrive under their constant care. They have to be more organized, more thrifty, more patient, and more selfless than many moms who have the support of a partner.
Mothers of multiples — After taking care of a single newborn, I am impressed by any mother who can meet the demands of two newborns or more at once. Double the nursings, double the diapers, double the wake-ups during the night. I love to watch the juggling act these mothers manage as they give each child what they need (and sometimes other siblings too). I can’t help but think they must be exhausted.
Foster moms— We watched this year as one of our friends took in a newborn who needed a home. This family already had two school-age children, and they revamped their whole life to care for this sweet infant. The baby ended up needing extra medical attention and the foster mom tirelessly took care of him as if he were her own. Besides his day-to-day care, she attended court hearings as well to look out for his long-term interest. We always knew she was a great mom, but seeing all her unconditional love for this baby made her an extraordinary mom.
Mothers of children with special needs — We have several mothers in our life whose children have special needs. Whether their children have Downs Syndrome, Autism, learning disabilities or physical impairment, these moms always amaze me with their diligent care. Sometimes they’re dealing with surgeries, sometimes it’s months of therapy, and sometimes it’s just endless visits to specialists to figure out exactly what their child needs. We’ve watched our friends tirelessly investigate schools to find the perfect match to help their children thrive and then fly into watchdog mode to make sure their kids are treated fairly.
Military moms — Recently, the new documentary “Carrier” on PBS depicted a mother in the Navy who had to leave her children with her ex-husband while she deployed. What a tough assignment not to be able to hug and hold your kids daily.
On the flip side are the mothers left behind when husbands go off to fight. I have a friend from high school who is now Special Forces in the military. He served in Afghanistan and finally came home. He was with his new baby (his first) for just a few months when he was told he was needed in Iraq for a special mission. They good news was he could return home if the job was done quickly; the bad news is that meant it was fairly dangerous. I can’t imagine having a several-month-old baby, whacked out hormones and a husband on a dangerous mission in a war zone. What an amazing mom to handle it all. Luckily he did return safely.
And finally, there are the moms sending their sons and daughters off to war. I would be worried constantly and waiting to hear from them every day.
To all these moms who face special challenges, I wish you a happy Mother’s Day, and I hope you know that your hard work is appreciated. See more Mother’s Day coverage
What moms do you admire the most?
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What are you giving your mom for Mother’s Day?
What do moms really want?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, I got on the ball this year and ordered my mom’s Mother’s Day present about two weeks ago. I’m safe to tell you what I got her because she doesn’t go “online.” I went to Shutterfly.com and made her a book using photos of all her grandchildren from our spring events like Easter, birthday parties, and just playing around the house. It turned out so nicely I can’t wait to give it to her. (Although, her birthday is in another two weeks and I am clueless on that one.)
What are you making/giving/doing for your mom?
What do you really want? Do you want some time alone, some money for shopping, a craft made by the kids, a cake made by the kids, a massage?
Sign me up for the massage and some time alone to read. That would make me really happy!
Tell us your great ideas for Mother’s Day.
Also check out the AJC’s other Mother’s Day coverage: shopping ideas, restaurants, kids’ drawings of their moms, submitted photos of moms and much, much more!
Permalink | Comments (29) | Post your comment | Categories: Family Life
How much do you tell your teens about your past?
Do you own up to your teens about your sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One of our faithful readers sent me a note in early April posing the question: How much do you tell your teens about your past? Do you lie if they ask you if you’ve done something illegal or immoral or do you tell the truth?
Well, The Washington Post Magazine has just published a long (and fantastic) article examining these very questions. The writer tells us that while socializing with some of the moms in her circle they started admitting to past transgressions. One mom that she had really admired and respected started talking about her days as a stripper.
Her mom friends were of course shocked, and the author wondered how this woman would handle the topic with her kids.
It’s probably unlikely that your child would ask if you were an exotic dancer, but it’s likely they will ask: Did you have premarital sex? Did you drink? Did you do drugs? Did you cheat at school?
So how do you or how have you answered these tough questions?
The mom who sent me that e-mail said that she would clearly lie. She doesn’t want her child doing the same thing because mom did it.
The writer in the Washington Post story called a lot of experts (such as counselors) to ask does it help to own up to your mistakes?
Would your child learn more if you said “Listen, I had sex at 16, and it was so stupid of me. The boy dumped me, and it wasn’t really any fun.”
Will that lead your daughter to think it’s OK since Mom did it or will it help her decide against it?
One of the experts in the story felt that parents needed to be authorities and owning up to past mistakes hurt their position of moral authority.
I think a lot of parents would talk around it. For example, if asked “Did have sex before you were married?” They may say “Daddy is my one and only (and leave out the fact that they started having sex well before they were married.)”
What do you think? Do you lie? Do you tell the truth? Do you tell half-truths? If you do decide to lie, do you tell them the truth as an adult? What do you think of the experts’ advice in the story?
Permalink | Comments (55) | Post your comment | Categories: Ethics of rearing kids today
What was the best life lesson your mom taught you?
Help us make a list of the best life lessons from our mothers.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I want to compile a list of all the best life lessons your mother taught you. Please tell us either the lesson you remember the most or maybe even the one that has changed your life the most. It could also be the lesson you use the most with your own kids.
Permalink | Comments (16) | Post your comment | Categories: Family Life
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Would you want the cafeteria workers at your children’s school drinking beer during lunch time? What is the difference when adults are drinking during a kids’ party? Beer and kids never go together PERIOD!... read the full comment by Tracey | Comment on Is it OK to serve beer at a kid's party? Read Is it OK to serve beer at a kid's party?
Of course it’s ok. What part of Alabama do some of you people live in?... read the full comment by Sobecat | Comment on Is it OK to serve beer at a kid's party? Read Is it OK to serve beer at a kid's party?
Yes, it’s okay. Most of the people attending our kids parties ( and we theirs) are people that live in our subdivision. They walk over and walk home. We all know each other and look out for each others children. I don’t see how drinking a beer... read the full comment by Ed T | Comment on Is it OK to serve beer at a kid's party? Read Is it OK to serve beer at a kid's party?
You can have booze on hand for all children’s parties; its commonly done and is no big deal. Most Irish-Catholic families are incredibly strict in parenting however booze is common in the house and at celebrations. If the child is going... read the full comment by Thor | Comment on Is it OK to serve beer at a kid's party? Read Is it OK to serve beer at a kid's party?