Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't over think this. If the kids know underage drinking doesn't fly int eh house but is ok for those of age in moderation, it's fine. You catch anyone underage drinking, take the booze.

I say this assuming nobody has any underlying addiction/recovery issues, and the kids in question have been responsible. If that's not the case, feel free to ignore my $.02.

In my experience as a mom of teens, and seeing a lot of their friends, I can't figure out where are these kids that know drinking for them doesn't fly in the house. And my kids and their friends are considered by most people as " best behaved teens they ever saw!"

PP you're quoting. I don't know, maybe we're just lucky. It's not been an issue. But part of it may also be that the place is small enough that there isn't somewhere to sneak off to with the booze and there are adults who won't stand for it present.

Anonymous wrote:Don't over think this. If the kids know underage drinking doesn't fly int eh house but is ok for those of age in moderation, it's fine. You catch anyone underage drinking, take the booze.

I say this assuming nobody has any underlying addiction/recovery issues, and the kids in question have been responsible. If that's not the case, feel free to ignore my $.02.

In my experience as a mom of teens, and seeing a lot of their friends, I can't figure out where are these kids that know drinking for them doesn't fly in the house. And my kids and their friends are considered by most people as " best behaved teens they ever saw!"

At DDs graduation party we had beer and wine available in one location and sparkling water, soda, lemonade and water in another. Non-alcholic drinks were more plentiful and more easily accessible. Our party guests were a lot of family and family friends who stayed for several hours, and many friends of the graduate who "stopped by" for shorter periods of time.

Worked well for us. You should do what you are comfortable with and possibly check with your DC to see how they feel.

Most grad parties that I have been to in recent year are kind of have been more like an open house, everyone is busy and nobody stays the entire time. People pop in for an hour or two. No need for alcohol unless you plan to go all night.

I have been to no alcohol at all and I have been to parents who serve it to everyone. I prefer the no alcohol at all.

My daughter's friends parent chose the no alcohol route -- it wasn't missed at all.

Don't over think this. If the kids know underage drinking doesn't fly int eh house but is ok for those of age in moderation, it's fine. You catch anyone underage drinking, take the booze.

I say this assuming nobody has any underlying addiction/recovery issues, and the kids in question have been responsible. If that's not the case, feel free to ignore my $.02.

Anonymous wrote:I have literally never been to an evening party where adults were the intended guests and where alcohol wasn’t served. It’s a party.

Then serve it. Just remember the 100 days between HS and college are second only to a child's first 100 days in risk of death. No they may not end up drunk at your house but you are setting an example...we must have alcohol for it to be a party (but you can't have any!)

I have literally never been to an evening party where adults were the intended guests and where alcohol wasn’t served. It’s a party.

Your kids are going to go buck wild at college with the alcohol. You just tell them and expect them to respect the rules... how are they supposed to model responsible drinking when you act like it’s a mortal sin to drink? Model for them that drinking is a social thing and no need to get drunk and stupid when there is alcohol. Sigh..,

Is it more a family party or a kids party? Our family has beer and wine at all bug family parties but honestly at graduation parties I feel like the graduate sort of comes in and out with their friends and isn't even there the whole time! Kids aren't allowed "just one" or anything in our family and circle. It's not a big deal to them, they just know it's off limits. If they go party some other way/time that is for their parents to deal with. But at family events, adults who choose to drink have options. Kids don't even try to sneak it. They know it's not cool and they fortunately respect their parents enough to not try to get away with shit at the parties

Anonymous wrote:My kiddos are tweens, but I've been to high school grad parties where there were beer and wine, along with sodas, food, etc. Not a big deal for anyone. I'm fairly sure the U21s had a beer or two, but nobody was drunk. What's the big deal?

The deal is that you should educate yourself about it. If underage kids are drinking in your house, not your own, you could be arrested and to go prison if convicted. We are not in the 80 and 90s anymore.

I’ve been to some grad parties that served alcohol and many others that didn’t. I chose not to because, like pp stated, this is a party in celebration of the graduate. Just seemed odd to serve alcohol to me. Also, our parties have been in the afternoon. No one seemed to notice or complain. If this was a family party or for a holiday like 4th of July that included adults and teens, I would be fine serving alcohol to the adults.

My kiddos are tweens, but I've been to high school grad parties where there were beer and wine, along with sodas, food, etc. Not a big deal for anyone. I'm fairly sure the U21s had a beer or two, but nobody was drunk. What's the big deal?

Anonymous wrote:I am interested in this too. I e-mailed the venue and caterer about this. They offer soda, lemonade as an option. Most of us are fine without alcohol, but SIL loves her wine. To be honest I am uncomfortable with serving alcohol at the party I am throwing. Teens still always find a way to sneak it, always. I hope the venue doesn't offer alcohol for purchase. I wonder what the venue policy is about it.

SIL can bring a wine purse.

My aunt doesn’t allow alcohol in her home. Every other Thanksgiving, DH and join the crowd of adult cousins and uncles standing on the neighbor’s porch to have a bourbon with our sweet potato or pecan pie.