Young parents drinking with kids around.......

Lotte - posted on 07/26/2011

My kids never saw so much as a beer can and I never drank during parenting hours unless it was like one beer at a barbecue or my parents house. I 'always waited until they were sleeping, and I'd clear up all the evidence and dump AND RINSE any remaining cups. Why? Because I didn't want to have to explain to my kids that I was doing something that could be dangerous for them. Smoking's bad enough...I speak in past tense because I'm pregnant now, but I am always there for my kids when they need me. I hate when parties start for the kids and ends up becoming an adult barbecue; I tend to be one of the few who stays attentive to the kids, because most of the time when you give an adult a drop of alcohol casual or not they end up backrounding the kids and its not fair to them at all. this subject makes me angry and even tho yes I have drank with my kids around I stop before it gets out of control not to mention they need me in the morning too. what if one of the kids got a fever in the middle of the night and the parents were too fucked up to care?

Krista - posted on 04/04/2010

I'll have to check those out. Thanks, Carol! It's always interesting to read about a new tipple that I've never tried. When I think of "aperitif", it always reminds me of my mom and her friends, who liked Dubonnet (does anybody even drink that anymore?) I sometimes like a bit of ouzo as a digestif, but drink it so rarely that it's not worth buying a bottle. So I just always make sure to order it if we go out for Greek food.

Johnny - posted on 04/04/2010

@ Krista.... I enjoy those with bitters, particularly the Italian ones like Cinzano and Campari. The Negroni (made with Campari) is my favorite cocktail. Another is Pineau des Charentes which is a French aperitif made with Champagne grapes. These are pretty much a special occasion only beverage, I usually treat myself to a Negroni on my birthday.

Sunshine - posted on 04/04/2010

I never said that anyone who drinks they drink more then one.. My experiences I have been around people who don't just drink ONE glass of wine or ONE can of beer.. You like the taste that much you have more then ONE.. Not saying you I don't know you or anyone in here.. JUST SAYING! That is MY opinion.

Emma - posted on 04/04/2010

Well we will have a drink with dinner or on a weekend and if we have friends over but you are talking about 1 or two drinks with food spaced over a few hours.

i'm 30 and my hubby is 34 we learnt moderation a long time ago. i would not drink more than that unless my kids where safely at my sisters place and we had a full night as what if there was an off,.

I would never have a party where there was excessive drinking or any form of drugs near my kids to me that's just a bit on the irresponsibly side if you ask me.

I would like my kids to have a healthy respect for alcohol and practise what i preach regarding moderation as i do enjoy a cold beer on a hot afternoon when we are having a BBQ

Plus could you imagine having a hangover the next day with two toddlers running and screening round the house playing with all the noisy toys, i think you might over do it once and never again ...lol



I was one of those naughty teen drinkers when i was young in the UK i almost killed myself by getting Alcohol poisoning which is no joke i can tell you.

I did not drink again in till i was legal and then only in moderation.

And i Went in to the pub trade. (i always ID anyone who orders diamond white or an alcohopop as a good 80 % of the time they where too young) Personaly i would take them off the shelf's as they are marketed at teenagers in my opinion at least.

Rose - posted on 04/03/2010

When I wasn't prego i would throw a couple back while my daughter was sleeping. I would not get totally shit faced drunk tho cause i know i couldn't handle my daughter if i was and i would feel guilty about it later!! I really don't see a problem with it. Some people are just smug about things!!

C. - posted on 04/03/2010

@Sunshine.. I really don't get where you think that everyone who drinks, drinks in excess. If you're a lightweight and one drink will impair your judgement, then don't drink especially in front of your child. But if you can handle one or two w/o it affecting you at all, then what's the big deal? It is important to show children that you know when enough is enough when it comes to something like alcohol. I am not much of a drinker at all; I have only had two alcoholic beverages since I turned 21 (and I've only had 2 alcoholic drinks since before my son was conceived over two years ago, so that kind of shows you how much I drink). Not much of a drinker here.. But I don't understand where you are coming from with the whole go big or go home.. It is possible to have only one drink. And if you're not capable of that, then by all means, don't drink at all. But please don't judge the ones that like it for the taste (like Krista was saying about beer and wine) and think they only do it to get drunk. That's not true. It's not a one size fits all with this subject; Either you can handle it or you can't.

C. - posted on 04/03/2010

I have to agree with Krista's comment. I don't like the effects of excessive drinking, especially now that I am a mom, but I DO like the taste of my mixed drinks. I have only had two drinks total in front of my son. I don't want to make it an everyday occurrence mainly b/c the way I was brought up, but as long as you know your limits I don't see a problem with it. It's when you are getting drunk or letting other people get plastered in front of your kids is what I would be concerned about. I think that the whole doing drugs and partying in FRONT of your kids should definitely be a cause for alarm. I do believe that is putting the child/children in danger and they shouldn't be doing that.

Krista - posted on 04/03/2010

Any recommendations, Carol? I've never gotten into aperitifs, but am intrigued.

For non-alcoholic beer, I found the best stuff was at Loblaw's/Superstore. They had a red beer and a blonde beer, both of which were really very good.

Kyle - posted on 04/03/2010

I did enjoy the taste of my drinks, sex on the beach, pineapple upside down mmmmmm! If I could drink those without the alcohol I would but I know it's not possible so I choose not to. I never did like wine so I don't know the effects of it enhancing taste of food and never was a beer person unless it was the only thing there to drink. I am good popping open a nice refreshing can of pop or bottle of water now but I also don't judge other people if they feel differently than I do.

Johnny - posted on 04/03/2010

Exactly Krista. I very much enjoy the taste and flavors of wine and beer (not so much Scotch) and for treat I love a good aperitif. I too bought non-alcoholic beer to drink during my pregnancy and went to quite the effort to find one with a nice flavor. It just didn't seem like a summer barbecue without a nice cold beer. I still drink non-alcoholic beer once in a while when I will be driving or something (I never have even a sip of alcohol if I'm going to drive). If I did not enjoy drinking for the taste, I would not bother. I don't really enjoy getting buzzed and I hate the feeling of getting drunk.

Saying that you shouldn't drink if you don't want to get drunk is sort of like saying that you shouldn't eat chocolate unless you intend to get fat. People consume things for enjoyment, not always for the side effects.

Most people who are oenophiles do not believe in getting drunk on the wine, they would probably argue that it is simply the unfortunate side effect of over-consumption. It certainly should not be one's purpose when choosing to drink (unless you're a 19 year old college student).

Krista - posted on 04/03/2010

I think this is where the disagreement arises: when we think of WHY we drink.

I don't drink alcohol to get a buzz, or to get drunk. Seriously, I don't.

I have a glass of wine with dinner because I genuinely enjoy the taste of wine, and how it enhances the flavour of my food.

I enjoy a cold beer because I find it refreshing and I enjoy the taste. When I was pregnant, I actually bought non-alcoholic beer, because I missed cracking open a nice cold beer on a hot day.

If I have a drink of scotch in the evening, it's because I'm savouring the aroma and the taste.

I have a glass of wine or a beer most every night of the week. But I haven't had so much as a buzz in a very, very long time.

If you don't enjoy wine or beer, and you only drink for the EFFECTS of alcohol, then yes, I can understand why you'd think that having only one or two drinks would be pointless. But that's not the case for me, or for several other women on here, evidently.

Kyle - posted on 04/03/2010

I AGREE with Sunshine. I have done both. My daughter is 6 and after I had her I would go out and drink BUT I would not drink in the house or around her. I got pregnant with my Son in June of 2008 and have not had a sip of it since. I came to realize that ALL that time I spent going out and drinking at the clubs was precious time that I could have been spending with my daughter and I missed out on that time and will never get it back because I chose to be in a different state of mind. Now that I have stopped drinking FOR GOOD I enjoy every minute I can with my kids, they DO grow up so fast.
Don't get me wrong, I was never a fall down drunk or a drink every weekend type of girl I just chose to stop drinking because I didn't want to miss and more time with my kids than I already had. and what is the point in drinking one glass of wine of one beer anyways? not criticizing just wondering. Isn't the purpose of alcohol to get a buzz or get drunk? Why even have a drink if those aren't your intentions? I just think it's pointless. Just my opinion.

Sunshine - posted on 04/03/2010

Well thats my opinion take it or leave it don't like it don't read it.
I don't care about one or 2 drinks. Whats the point in even having one or 2 drinks whats it do for you anyway, NOTHING.. My opinion.. I don't drink I used to.. Id much rather save my money & time for more important things.. & I didn't have attitude in my last post. Thats whats wrong with the internet people take things outta proportion.
Thats my opinion I have stuck to it since day one.. Before I had my son I made a promise that I wouldn't raise my son around wine or alcohol & thats something I stick by:)
Thats just how I feel:D

Good Day! - posted on 04/02/2010

I would just like to add that while most people have the ability to enjoy one drink then stop, there are those that cannot. If you know you have an issue with alcoholism, then yes, it is irresponsible to drink when children are in your care. I know that alcoholism runs in my family, and that is the reason my dad chose to never drink, not even one taste or sip. Would he be an alcoholic if he chose to drink? I don't know, but he is not willing to find out. I took that risk several years ago and found out that I can control how much I drink. Yet, because of alcoholism in the family, drinking has left a bad taste in my mouth (literally and figuratively) and I rarely drink. But like I said before, my husband enjoys his wine. And I have no problem with him and his wine. =)

Rosie - posted on 04/02/2010

i don't see anything wrong with having a drink or 2, but getting drunk is out of the question. if the children are in bed, and one parent get;s drunk though, and the other takes on the responsibility of the children i don't have an issue with that. i think it's a good thing to show that drinking can be done responsibly.

Johnny - posted on 04/02/2010

I quite often have a glass of wine with dinner in the evening. It never turns into more. I enjoy wine paired with my food, and that's about it. On a Friday evening, I might choose to have a beer later on in the night before I go to bed. I've only been impaired once since my daughter was born and I was out of town for the night at a wedding (I'd left pumped milk for her with my parents). I will be going out of town for a stagette in a couple of weeks, and I will probably get somewhat intoxicated there (particularly since we'll be in the hot tub and you feel it more in there). But I will not be around my child or responsible for her at that juncture. My husband will be at home, sober and caring for her. But I do not think drinking in front of one's kids sets a bad example. I grew up with the drinking of alcohol as a normal part of my family, but I never once remember my parents being drunk. Actually, the first time that I ever saw my father drunk was after my husband's stag party. It was really funny. When I was around 16 I was allowed to start drinking a small amount of wine during dinners for special occasions, like birthdays or Christmas. I never have been a binge drinker or enjoyed getting s**tfaced at all. I've done in a couple of times, and it just feels horrible. Most of the moms I am friends with are "older" and in their 30's. Most of us enjoy wine or beer with our meals and never has anyone gotten drunk. I think that the idea that alcohol is inherently bad and will lead to terrible things is an immature and inexperienced viewpoint, because those that have been around reasonable and responsible alcohol intake their whole lives just don't have these binge drinking issues.

Krista - posted on 04/02/2010

Sunshine, there IS a difference between having a drink and getting completely s**tfaced, you know. And frankly, I don't know how one drink "turns into" more. Drinks don't multiply of their own volition, like rabbits. You either have a drink, stop at that one drink, or you make the decision to have more, knowing that you risk impairing your judgment. I often have a glass of wine or beer with dinner. It's the one glass, I enjoy it with my meal, and that's it for the evening...it most certainly is not "partying", and I most certainly do not get drunk.

I really just don't see where this "all-or-nothing" attitude comes from. It's surreal. Does nobody you know ever have a glass of wine with dinner?

Sunshine - posted on 04/02/2010

This is touchy for me, lol! Cause I don't agree with it at all.. I think its irresponsible.. Some people say a drink NEVER hurt anyone. But what if that ONE drink turned into more & everyone except the child is drunk & something happened to the baby HOW do you get the baby there call 911 & explain when you get there your a bad parent got to drunk the Children Services Get called. Im sure everyone can NOT drink its NOT that important & not worth wasting your money on. I believe that being a role model for your child is very important! I would never do it.. Thats just me.. I can have fun different ways other then drinking. An old friend of mine does it & I think its just irresponsible of her & her hubby to do it while the child is there.. It wouldn't be so bad if the child was NOT there & under a responsible adults supervision!
Ive had my share of drinking I am 24 & all partied out.. My son is more important then wasting my time & money on drinking:)

Erin - posted on 04/02/2010

IDK? I think drinking to get drunk is irresponsible regardless of age! You are not cute, funny or great to hang out with when you are drunk, period! Have a drink, whatever, just don't get drunk! Just makes you look stupid!

Good Day! - posted on 04/02/2010

It took getting me out of my home state and into Canada to see that point. Where I was in Canada, it was normal to have wine or beer with dinner. I was shocked. But then my Canadian peers were much more responsible with drinking than my American peers. So my views on drinking changed. Drinking is not wrong. Drinking in front of children is not wrong. Drinking to get drunk while children are around is wrong. I generally don't enjoy alcohol, but my husband loves red wine. He'll have a glass most nights of the week. Once my daughter asked for a sip, and he stuck his pinky in the glass then in her mouth. She cringed and has never asked for it again. Like others have said, it's about teaching personal responsibility when it comes to kids and alcohol.

Krista - posted on 04/02/2010

I think it's beneficial to kids to learn that certain things can and should be enjoyed only in moderation. Obviously, I will teach my children that drinking is only for adults, and that even when they ARE adults, there are a lot of responsibilities that come with the choice to drink, such as knowing your limits, making sure that you never drink and drive or get in a car with a driver who's been drinking, making sure that you do not drink so much that your judgment goes out the window, etc.

I see wine and beer as enjoyable beverages that can enhance an occasion or a meal, and that if used wisely, are not harmful in the least. And non-alcoholic wine and beer is terrible -- I tried it when I was pregnant and most of it was just wretched stuff.

Amanda - posted on 04/02/2010

So I have a question... I don't drink pretty much ever(if I have a drink I'm drunk for the next half hour lol), my husband drinks a couple beers every once in a while. No matter how much you drink, how do you think it is beneficial to your kids that you're teaching them it's okay to drink, as long as you don't get hammered? I was always taught(and my parents did drink or go out occasionally) that drinking is bad, ANY drinking. I have no problem ordering a virgin daquiri instead of an alcoholic one(usually do actually), and I definately wouldn't mind my husband not drinking ever again either... I just don't see the point, plus, beer tastes like crap and thats what he drinks lol...

LaCi - posted on 04/02/2010

"I was always allowed a sip of my dad's lager or have a little glass of wine at Christmas from the age of about 8 years old and I've never binge drank in my life and I'm 19 years old. Probably in the minority but I think my parents drinkign sensibly around me showed me that it is ok in moderation and I hated the taste back then."

YES. Countries where drinking is part of normal culture/lifestyle-a drink with dinner, etc- rates of alcohol abuse are SIGNIFICANTLY lower. In place where drinking is restricted or even prohibited, rates of alcohol abuse skyrocket.

Shannon - posted on 04/02/2010

Obviously it's wrong.

April - posted on 04/02/2010

i think it's wrong and it encourages the children to grow up and mimic that kind of behavior. you think your kids don't know whats going on but they do. kids aren't as clueless as parents would like to think. they pick up on things.

a good example is when a friend of mine was teaching her 3 year old that green means go and red means stop. she never did teach him what yellow meant, but on a whim asked him one day while they were driving somewhere.

he said yellow meant "mommy hurry up!!" (this goes to show you how kids pick up on things when you didn't mean to teach them this or that)

LaCi - posted on 04/02/2010

I don't drink anymore, mainly because I don't see a point. When I drank I got hammered, so I wouldn't do that with my son around. If someone wants to have a drink or two with their kids around no big deal.

Jennifer - posted on 04/02/2010

I'd personally never get drunk if I knew I was caring for my son that night. I don't particularly drink to get drunk but if I was going to it would only be if my son was sleeping at my mums house. I think it's very irresonsible to get drunk when you have a child to look after.

Sunny - posted on 04/01/2010

My son is about to turn 3 and i have never had a drink with him in my care. Im 21 and like to have a drink when i go out with friends but i feel even one drink could cause even a seconds delay in my reactions than its not worth it. I dont have a problem with families having a drink with a meal ect but i cant do it.

Lyndsay - posted on 04/01/2010

I don't really like the taste of alcohol, so if I drink its to get drunk. I've had some friends over and had some drinks before with my son in the house, but there are rules and regulations surrounding that. For one, no alcohol gets opened until after he's asleep. Two, everybody has to be gone by the morning because I'm not having my kid crawl over people passed out on my floor. I've been in enough sticky situations (NOT with my son) that I know I can sober up real fast if I have to, and my sister lives in the apartment across the hall from me in case of an emergency. My hubby has quit since drinking, though... so now if I want to get drunk I go out to a bar with my friends, or I go to their houses.

Jennifer - posted on 02/16/2010

I was always allowed a sip of my dad's lager or have a little glass of wine at Christmas from the age of about 8 years old and I've never binge drank in my life and I'm 19 years old. Probably in the minority but I think my parents drinkign sensibly around me showed me that it is ok in moderation and I hated the taste back then.

Heather - posted on 02/16/2010

Fair enough Susanne :) Different cultures have very different opinions about alcohol...and I respect yours, even if I dont agree fully.

Susanne - posted on 02/16/2010

Well i agree what your saying about drugs im not going to do the same with drugs because drugs are a whole different kettle of fish. What im doing with drink is teaching them to be responsible about it, in european countries they allow their kids to drink wine with a meal and they have a lot less problems with young people binge drinking etc than in the UK.

Heather - posted on 02/16/2010

Susanne, teenage drinking is a problem everywhere, I guess it dosent make sense to me to give a child alcohol, for any reason. I am glad your children havent liked the taste, but I know of a few people who let their kids "taste" alcohol, and some of them like it...and tell their friends that mom and dad let them drink. You have the right as a parent to raise your children as you wish, I am just saying that in some situations, that may not be the best way to keep kids away from alcohol. I dont want my son to be a drug addict, but I am not going to score a bag of pot and smoke it with him to keep him from doing it. Most kids, at a certain point will experiment...as a parent I plan to tell him to never drink and drive and to call me or his father if he needs a ride home because he or his friends are drinking. I didnt drink as a teenager (and still dont), but that was because I had no access to it because my parents dont drink.

Susanne - posted on 02/16/2010

Heather in my area we have a lot of problems with teenagers getting drunk etc our way of battling this is to let them have a taste of alcohol in the house this takes the novelty of drinking away. I know this works because it worked with me, my brother and my stepdaughter. My oldest son is 11 and he has tasted a lot of different types of alcohol and he hasnt liked any of them.

Jennifer - posted on 02/15/2010

Personally my husband and I don't drink much. We have the occasional can of lager/alcopop at home usually around once every 2 months and we drink when we go to parties although for my cousin's engagement party I went and my hubby looked after Logan because we couldn't get a babysitter. I drank 3 pints of cider and was in no way close to tipsy nevermind drunk. I think it's ok to ahve the occasional drink around your children but you should never get drunk. I think it's more harmful to drink during pregnancy than to have the occasional drink. It's all about drinking responsibly.

Susanne - posted on 02/13/2010

Well i dont drink much but my husband has a beer every night with his dinner. Dont see nothing wrong with it in moderation dont think being drunk in front of kids is right though. I also believe in letting the kids try a little bit of beer or wine obviously not when they are very young but from the age of ten plus. I think it shows them alcohol isnt naughty so they wont be so tempted to get blotto when they are with their friends when they are older.

Terri - posted on 02/13/2010

Im with most here. I am still breastfeeding my 13 month old, but I put her down and I dont drink til the kids are all fast asleep bout 10.30 at night when my hubby gets home from work. Then I will have a couple of glasses of wine for a wind down.

I will drink at social occasions but rarely due to the breastfeeding and I always watch how much I drink.

Alison - posted on 02/12/2010

I see nothing wrong with sensible drinking around children. I don't participate in binge drinking or drug use, but other adults can do those things if they wish providing children are not around at the time. It's irrisponsible to get wasted if you're supervising children. Parents who lead by example by not drinking or drinking responsibly are doing a good job.

Sara - posted on 02/12/2010

Well, I think there's a difference between having a couple of beer around your kids and getting smashed in front of your kids. If it's the former, I see no problem with it. If it's the latter, not so much.

Melissa - posted on 02/12/2010

I don't see anything wrong with a drink or two. My husband could probably have a few beers and you wouldn't even know it. But my son goes to bed between 6:30-7:00 so if I do have a drink it is usually after he goes to bed and he sleeps about 12 hours without waking.

Michelle - posted on 12/13/2009

I don't drink. Not saying that I have never had alcohol in the past, but I have never been drunk or even tipsy. I suppose I am like this as I was brought up in an alcohol free home growing up. And I did have a boyfriend in my early 20's who abused alcohol and ended up getting alcohol poisoning. But he didn't see it as that bad. It was awful and I didn't like watching him go through it, so it put me off drinking even further. My first husband couldn't drink much as he was allergic to many ingredients in a lot of alcohol, he just spent our money on other addictions such as drugs and gambling. Needless to say I am not married to him anymore! But my second hubby likes his beer. I don't begrudge him a few beers when he gets home from work, as he works long hours six days a week. But I feel he drinks too much in front of our kids. He never gets drunk or aggressive or even silly. He claims it helps him unwind and relax from a busy day. I moreso worry about his health. I tell him that surely that you can drink other things to relax and quench his thirst. But you can tell people, and even the ones you are the cloest to how you feel, but ultimately it is up to them what they do with their own bodies. And they therefore have to be responsible for any consequences that may result from their decisions years down the track. I believe that I am taking responsiblity for my own body, as I would like to be around to see my kids grow up and not make myself sick in doing so. My oldest daughter is 11 and is under no illusions of what too much alcohol can do to your body and mind. We have had many discussions about this topic. But what she and my 3 year old twins do regarding alcohol when they are adults will be up to them. I hope that moderation and common sense will kick in. Anything in moderation is fine. Honestly I don't have an issue with people that drink. It is their life and their bodies. Children learn by watching what their parents and other people around them do and say.

Ashley - posted on 12/13/2009

I don't see anything wrong with a drink or 2. I am not a big drinker anymore but do enjoy a drink when the occasion arises, however I will be abstaining for awhile as I am pregnant and want to breastfeed again. But I see nothing wrong with moderation and responsibility.

Pam - posted on 12/12/2009

Just to put my two cents worth in her - I agree the occasional drink around your kids is fine, it teaches them that alcohol is not a bad thing, but getting blind drunk when you have kids is not good, i do drink around my kids - a glass of wine while preparing tea, but my kids have never seen me drunk and they never will

Krista - posted on 12/12/2009

I agree with Sharon -- you don't want to get blind stinking drunk when you have young kids anyway, even if they don't see you. What if there was an emergency and you had to go to the hospital? Not only would you likely get reported as an unfit parent, but you'd sure as heck not be in any condition to make serious decisions.

But having a beer or two at a barbecue, or a glass of wine with dinner? Not a thing wrong with it. Hell, my folks were offering me wine with dinner since I was a kid (it's a French thing, I guess...)

Sharon - posted on 12/12/2009

Moderation is the key.



Getting blind stinking drunk is just stupid. Doing it when you have kids - even more stupid. Doing it in front of your children - they ought to be taken away from you.



A 4 pk of wine coolers will last me 6 months or longer. I'll drink about 3/4 of a wine cooler once in a while. lol wish I had some tonight now that the subject has come up...

Dana - posted on 12/12/2009

I see nothing wrong with having a beer or a glass of wine when your child is around. I too think it is healthy for them to see that you can drink it and not abuse it. Although I generally do wait until my son is in bed to have a glass of wine. It's all about winding down for me so I'd rather not be attending to anyone at that time. As far as drinking to the point of intoxication, no. I don't think *anyone* should be around my child or any child, drunk.

Charlie - posted on 12/12/2009

I am pregnant at the moment so no alcohol for me BUT before pregnancy i would often have a glass of wine in the evenings and my fiance would have a cold beer after work its one of those many wonderful rights as adults we have .

We have BBQ's pretty often with lots of friends with kids who come around we all enjoy a drink together in moderation and i see nothing wrong with that in fact i think its healthy for children to see their parents enjoying themselves , socializing and having a drink in moderation , no is getting drunk and inf act we are not even partying we are just simply enjoying a meal and a drink.

There is a difference between drinking in moderation and abusing alcohol , to abuse ANYTHING in front of a child is wrong .

I also saw that the OP of the thread in question had posted again later saying she had a problem with a couple who decided they would have a few drinks at a dinner party she attended and in her words " could not believe she let her husband drink ! " i think its pretty rude and judgmental of her to be so offended at a person wanting to have a couple of drinks amongst friends at a dinner .

I would much rather my child see how we can enjoy ourselves without a drink or drinking in moderation than learn how to drink through a beer bong off his high school buddies ( hopefully he doesn't )

Brandy - posted on 12/12/2009

I didn't really even get a chance to do it with my daughter because she was breastfed and pretty much right after she weaned, I was pregnant again. lol. But there were a few times where we would have some friends over for a few. Usually quietly in the backyard in the summer. Nothing crazy. More like an adult BBQ that just kinda happened to run past bedtime and maybe one of our friends slept on the couch because they drank too much. I don't see anything wrong with that. I think it's different if you are having crazy parties that are loud and you maybe don't know everybody there that well and well if people are getting high in your house while your child is sleeping, maybe you need to re-evaluate your priorities as a parent. I think if you are being responsible, and not excessive and not doing anything to endanger your child or set a bad example, then it's fine. I am a strong believer that it is better to show your children how to do things responsibly and in moderation than it is to hide it from them completely with intentions to try to "protect" them from it. I'm not saying that you should have your children around every time you drink but I also don't think it's logical to never ever let them see you with a drink in your hand for their "protection". They are going to find out about alcohol eventually whether you hide it from them or not and they should be educated about it so that they don't get excessive with it and know that it's okay to just have one or two even if you are at a party.