Our ridiculous 21-year old drinking age combined with draconian punishments for "underage" drinking (applied to both the drinker and the adult who provided them alcohol) have prevented parents from teaching responsible drinking habits to their children. As such, far too many young people today learn irresponsible drinking habits from their friends and peers when they move away from home.
Man, that is so true.
I had an opportunity to visit Italy, Greece and Turkey last year. My young granddaughter cam with me, every place that I ordered wine, I was asked if she would like some as well. the wine is diluted with water. In Sicily, I asked them about that request and was told the water tasted terrible and it was a way to cover the cost. We talked about issues with public drunkenness or kids having issues and was told there was none.
In Greece I ordered Ouzo and no they did not offer her that, POWERFUL stuff.
I agree. The first time I drank, I was abusing it along with friends who were abusing it. My father gew up around alcoholic family members, became a minister, and towed a near-tee-totaler line . . . but NEVER preached total abstinance. His great-grandmother was a Cherokee Indian, which may have contributed to the alcohol intolerance. Has not been a problem with me or my brother.
I violated the law and taught my the underage sons by example how to use it responsibly and under control. The oldest now barely drinks by choice and the youngest seems to keep it under control, but he is just 24 and at a prime abuse age.