I'll provide a different perspective on the "European" discussion. I grew up somewhat like that. My parents were divorced and my mom not a big drinker naturally, but she would offer small amounts to me starting when I was around 13 or 14 and tell me that I would eventually develop a "taste" for it, just like for coffee or tea. My dad is a heavy drinker (lots of wine with all meals) and he started letting me have wine with dinner when I was around 13 or 14. He didn't have primary custody, so it wasn't frequent, but I would say I had some degree of European-style exposure from my teen years. I was a disaster at parties in both hs and college and still probably drink more than is healthy, though I'm much, much better now. I think it more has to do with genes, honestly. My dad is quite clearly alcohol dependent, as was his brother before he passed away, and probably his father before him.

Also, "European" is an awfully broad brush to paint with. I think British drinking culture is actually rather unhealthy based on what I've seen of it.

Anyway, just more anecdotal food for thought. I have two kids and am currently taking the "wine/beer/coffee is for grownups" approach with no tastes allowed. When they reach the teen years, I will consider quarter or half glasses at special occasions. I'm not under any illusions that if they wind up wanting to sneak it, they will figure out how.

Anonymous wrote:If you give your kid sips, what are you trying to accomplish?

I was at a brewpub and I got a sample of 5 4oz beers. My son touched the tip of his finger in each one and tasted the difference. Why? Why not? He asked me why I would order 5 beers. I said they are just tastes and each tastes different. Beer is like food a "chef" spends lots of time trying to get the right recipe. I want to taste the difference. I also discuss the alcohol content of each beer. I discuss they are different and 8% alcohol is crazy for beer, it is high. If you don't know the alcohol content and you think you are drinking a beer that is 4 percent and you drink 2 you actually have had 4, that is dangerous if you are not aware.

I also discuss how important it is to eat food when you drink.

It's a moment to just discuss alcohol in an informative, non judgmental, no lecture format.

So he tasted each?

I suspect the "study" about giving kids a taste does not control for parents who actually drink with their kids or let their kids drink in the home.

If you give your kid sips, what are you trying to accomplish?

It's a fact that European kids are a different culture.