Parents drinking beer while taking kids trick-or-treating?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In an upscale neighborhood in Alexandria, parents were passing out candy to the kids and beer and wine to the adults. As long as no one everyone is drinking responsibly, I don't think it is problematic.

people were doing this in my neighborhood too. I live in alexandria (but its not upscale). I think this is normal and we were just oblivious to it as kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't drink-- family history of alcoholism and enough ugly incidents in college to make me realize I'm not immune to those genes-- but if you read through this entire thread, as I must confess I have, it is rather evident that the people who imbibe are more fun. Non-drinkers, may I suggest you work on witty rejoinders? Insults, sarcasm, and hand-wringing don't count. Please! Convince us that it is possible to have fun, and be fun, sober!

The fact that people cannot have fun without alcohol is one of the first signs of alcoholism.

We're here debating using logic and facts. This is not supposed to be a joke. The folks trying to say there's nothig wrong with breaking the law and putting your children (and others) in danger need a reality check. And when it happens it will be too late.

I'm not against alcohol but it does have a time and place. On the street, at night, in the dark while you're watching over children is definitely not he est plac for it.

Actually that is not one of the first signs of alcholism. But besides that, nobody said that they can't have fun without alcohol. Where are you getting that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't drink-- family history of alcoholism and enough ugly incidents in college to make me realize I'm not immune to those genes-- but if you read through this entire thread, as I must confess I have, it is rather evident that the people who imbibe are more fun. Non-drinkers, may I suggest you work on witty rejoinders? Insults, sarcasm, and hand-wringing don't count. Please! Convince us that it is possible to have fun, and be fun, sober!

The fact that people cannot have fun without alcohol is one of the first signs of alcoholism.

We're here debating using logic and facts. This is not supposed to be a joke. The folks trying to say there's nothig wrong with breaking the law and putting your children (and others) in danger need a reality check. And when it happens it will be too late.

I'm not against alcohol but it does have a time and place. On the street, at night, in the dark while you're watching over children is definitely not he est plac for it.

1. I don't think it is against the law. Any open container law (as far as I know) is limited to open containers while driving. Counties may have different laws, but I am not aware of a state-wide law.

2. If you are not against alcohol, WHAT is the time and place? When your kids are gone for the weekend and you are sitting alone in the basement away from sharp objects? I mean seriously? If a halloween party amongst friends is not the time and place for one drink, what is?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I regret to inform you that this licentiousness was not confined to NoVA. Many in Chevy Chase Md were also imbibing of the devil's juice.

Oh, woe! WOE!!

Fortunately, too bad we don't live in the Bible Belt, where the fundies have managed to ban Halloween altogether. It really *is* Satan Day!

They celebrate Jesus Ween: "Jesus Ween participants are expected to hand out Bibles and other Christian gifts in "a friendly way", according to a promotional video. Instead of costumes, participants are supposed to wear white, to symbolize righteousness."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't drink-- family history of alcoholism and enough ugly incidents in college to make me realize I'm not immune to those genes-- but if you read through this entire thread, as I must confess I have, it is rather evident that the people who imbibe are more fun. Non-drinkers, may I suggest you work on witty rejoinders? Insults, sarcasm, and hand-wringing don't count. Please! Convince us that it is possible to have fun, and be fun, sober!

The fact that people cannot have fun without alcohol is one of the first signs of alcoholism.

We're here debating using logic and facts. This is not supposed to be a joke. The folks trying to say there's nothig wrong with breaking the law and putting your children (and others) in danger need a reality check. And when it happens it will be too late.

I'm not against alcohol but it does have a time and place. On the street, at night, in the dark while you're watching over children is definitely not he est plac for it.

Okay, I'll bite. What do you define as being the appropriate time and place to have a drink? Not at home, clearly, because presumably your children are there (even if asleep). Not at a restaurant unless walking distance and then only if your children are away that night. So...when, pray tell, is it okay? I'm guessing - in your book - never. And that is why many of us find your reasoning and rationales totally ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

I don't bother with open containers or beer or wine. I kick it old school and keep my flask on me at all times. I've got a problem. Do you have a problem with that?

[Anonymous]

You're being rude and irrational. But for the sake of others who might be reading and didn't call me names I'll answer.

If you have a designated driver you're always good, no matter if it's at home or in a restaurant. In a party at friend's house, same thing, unless you're walking distance or using public transit. (you seriously needed me to explain this to you?)

What I don't get is this desperate need to have a drink everywhere you go. I've been either pregnant or nursing for the past 3 years and I do miss being able to take a sip here and there and te fact that I could not just drink whenever I wanted because of BF just took the thrill of it so I can certainly have fun without being buzzed.

Don't get me wrong, block parties, neighborhood BBQs, pool parties are a lot of fun but I just can't trust others enough to be able to drink and relax myself in such settings. I prefer to have fun being sober. If there's a pool involved I NEVER drink. Call me all the names you want but the day another person saves your child from an accident you'll get what I mean.

My neighborhood used to have a Marguerita stand at the bus stop in our cul-de-sac every Friday. The last day was when I had to run in front of the bus to get the 2yo that wandered there while mom was refilling her red plastic cup.

And if you really think VA doesn't have an open container law for public places please read the link a few pages back. There are huge signs in a lot of parks saying alcohol is not allowed.

Please educate yourselves before parroting some random info you read while buzzed.

The bus driver was shaking. She said she never saw the little girl... she only stopped because she saw me running.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't drink-- family history of alcoholism and enough ugly incidents in college to make me realize I'm not immune to those genes-- but if you read through this entire thread, as I must confess I have, it is rather evident that the people who imbibe are more fun. Non-drinkers, may I suggest you work on witty rejoinders? Insults, sarcasm, and hand-wringing don't count. Please! Convince us that it is possible to have fun, and be fun, sober!

The fact that people cannot have fun without alcohol is one of the first signs of alcoholism.

We're here debating using logic and facts. This is not supposed to be a joke. The folks trying to say there's nothig wrong with breaking the law and putting your children (and others) in danger need a reality check. And when it happens it will be too late.

I'm not against alcohol but it does have a time and place. On the street, at night, in the dark while you're watching over children is definitely not he est plac for it.

Okay, I'll bite. What do you define as being the appropriate time and place to have a drink? Not at home, clearly, because presumably your children are there (even if asleep). Not at a restaurant unless walking distance and then only if your children are away that night. So...when, pray tell, is it okay? I'm guessing - in your book - never. And that is why many of us find your reasoning and rationales totally ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I regret to inform you that this licentiousness was not confined to NoVA. Many in Chevy Chase Md were also imbibing of the devil's juice.

Oh, woe! WOE!!

Fortunately, too bad we don't live in the Bible Belt, where the fundies have managed to ban Halloween altogether. It really *is* Satan Day!

They celebrate Jesus Ween: "Jesus Ween participants are expected to hand out Bibles and other Christian gifts in "a friendly way", according to a promotional video. Instead of costumes, participants are supposed to wear white, to symbolize righteousness."

If my child is ever exposed to "Jesus ween", I'm calling the cops!

[Anonymous]

Don't get me wrong, block parties, neighborhood BBQs, pool parties are a lot of fun but I just can't trust others enough to be able to drink and relax myself in such settings.

Sounds like you may have deeper issues.

My neighborhood used to have a Marguerita stand at the bus stop in our cul-de-sac every Friday. The last day was when I had to run in front of the bus to get the 2yo that wandered there while mom was refilling her red plastic cup.

On the off chance this actually happened, I would say the parents have bigger issues than having a drink at an impromptu social occasion. Also, you don't understand the meaning of "cul-de-sac" if you're calling what you lived on one, and it had a major bus route running through it.

[Anonymous]

I've asked you to provide evidence of Virginia's open container law and you have not done so. I am not "parroting" anything. I've searched the code and came up empty. The only open container law I see is relating to while driving a car (but not intoxicated).

Of course parks can put up rules - that is completely different.

You are unhinged.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You're being rude and irrational. But for the sake of others who might be reading and didn't call me names I'll answer.

If you have a designated driver you're always good, no matter if it's at home or in a restaurant. In a party at friend's house, same thing, unless you're walking distance or using public transit. (you seriously needed me to explain this to you?)

What I don't get is this desperate need to have a drink everywhere you go. I've been either pregnant or nursing for the past 3 years and I do miss being able to take a sip here and there and te fact that I could not just drink whenever I wanted because of BF just took the thrill of it so I can certainly have fun without being buzzed.

Don't get me wrong, block parties, neighborhood BBQs, pool parties are a lot of fun but I just can't trust others enough to be able to drink and relax myself in such settings. I prefer to have fun being sober. If there's a pool involved I NEVER drink. Call me all the names you want but the day another person saves your child from an accident you'll get what I mean.

My neighborhood used to have a Marguerita stand at the bus stop in our cul-de-sac every Friday. The last day was when I had to run in front of the bus to get the 2yo that wandered there while mom was refilling her red plastic cup.

And if you really think VA doesn't have an open container law for public places please read the link a few pages back. There are huge signs in a lot of parks saying alcohol is not allowed.

Please educate yourselves before parroting some random info you read while buzzed.

The bus driver was shaking. She said she never saw the little girl... she only stopped because she saw me running.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You're exaggerating. Again, this is not about a "desperate need" to drink "everywhere you go." This is about having a drink while walking around in your neighborhood on one night when there's a block-party like atmosphere. And I think there is something wrong when you are so uptight that you can't have a drink at a neighborhood bbq because others are also drinking. That sounds insane. What do you think will happen?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You're being rude and irrational. But for the sake of others who might be reading and didn't call me names I'll answer.

If you have a designated driver you're always good, no matter if it's at home or in a restaurant. In a party at friend's house, same thing, unless you're walking distance or using public transit. (you seriously needed me to explain this to you?)

What I don't get is this desperate need to have a drink everywhere you go. I've been either pregnant or nursing for the past 3 years and I do miss being able to take a sip here and there and te fact that I could not just drink whenever I wanted because of BF just took the thrill of it so I can certainly have fun without being buzzed.

Don't get me wrong, block parties, neighborhood BBQs, pool parties are a lot of fun but I just can't trust others enough to be able to drink and relax myself in such settings. I prefer to have fun being sober. If there's a pool involved I NEVER drink. Call me all the names you want but the day another person saves your child from an accident you'll get what I mean.

My neighborhood used to have a Marguerita stand at the bus stop in our cul-de-sac every Friday. The last day was when I had to run in front of the bus to get the 2yo that wandered there while mom was refilling her red plastic cup.

And if you really think VA doesn't have an open container law for public places please read the link a few pages back. There are huge signs in a lot of parks saying alcohol is not allowed.

Please educate yourselves before parroting some random info you read while buzzed.

The bus driver was shaking. She said she never saw the little girl... she only stopped because she saw me running.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You're exaggerating. Again, this is not about a "desperate need" to drink "everywhere you go." This is about having a drink while walking around in your neighborhood on one night when there's a block-party like atmosphere. And I think there is something wrong when you are so uptight that you can't have a drink at a neighborhood bbq because others are also drinking. That sounds insane. What do you think will happen?

[Anonymous]

I'm one of the posters who thinks that this practice is strange. (I think I was on page 8 and started with "NP here.")

Responding to the "right time and place" questions-

Lots of right times, and lots of those include having children around. I agree it's about drinking responsibly. For example, I tend to think a parent/caregiver has to be especially vigilent with little ones (little toddlers ready to get into all sorts of trouble) and espeacially in certain venues (places with pools, huge crowds). In those types of cases, either me or DH won't be indulging in alcohol.

Trust, I am not anti-alcohol. I just find it really strange that parents choose to drink while walking around with their kids trick-or-treating. I guess because the act of trick-or-treating is totally a kid thing. Parents walk around/chaperone, but again, it's all about the kids knocking and saying "trick or treat."

It seems oddly selfish that parents choose not to refrain for this kid event- the actual trick or treating. Drink at the Halloween party before or after.....but come on, now, leave the alcohol at home for the walk around the neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Don't get me wrong, block parties, neighborhood BBQs, pool parties are a lot of fun but I just can't trust others enough to be able to drink and relax myself in such settings.

Sounds like you may have deeper issues.

My neighborhood used to have a Marguerita stand at the bus stop in our cul-de-sac every Friday. The last day was when I had to run in front of the bus to get the 2yo that wandered there while mom was refilling her red plastic cup.

On the off chance this actually happened, I would say the parents have bigger issues than having a drink at an impromptu social occasion. Also, you don't understand the meaning of "cul-de-sac" if you're calling what you lived on one, and it had a major bus route running through it.

It was the school bus. Sorry if I was not clear. We were all waiting for the school bus and the younger kids were playing on the street like they always do. Then, when the bus entered our street we'd yell BUUUUUSSS and they run to the grass. The mom was not paying attention to the girl and I was walking to the bus stop while she ran from the driveway to the street right in front of the bus.

[Anonymous]

the mom could have been bending over to pick up a magazine or any other situation where she was distracted - not sure why the margarita machine is relevant unless she was intoxicated.