Does taking a sip of beer now and then hurt a toddler or child? for Questionland Seattle

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Does taking a sip of beer now and then hurt a toddler or child?

I grew up in a large Italian family and almost from the time we could sit up we were offered a tiny bit of wine at dinner. As adults none of my sisters or brothers or I alcoholic. We all still drink our one glass of wine at dinner. My 2-year-old toddled over and took a sip of my husband's beer about six months ago and LOVED it. Now my husband gives her a tiny sip whenever he has a beer (maybe twice a week). Is this harmful?

Mary asked in Kid Health & Safety about 1 year ago | Report

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No. As long as you keep it to just a sip now and then, the toxicity of alcohol is far below what a toddler's body can handle.

Furthermore, taking sips of beer and wine from an early age introduces a child to alcohol as healthy and normal to consume in moderation with food, instead of being the "other" they try at 13 or 14 with friends.

Lilting Missive answered in Kid Health & Safety about 1 year ago | Report

1 comment by margit crane…

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I've only heard of it being harmful if you intoxicate the child. I suggest you look into the drinking customs of France. They give children wine during dinner but it's watered down, the amount of water is lessened with the child's age. The laws say that parents can provide children alcohol in their home so don't worry about anyone freaking on you.

Svensken answered in Kid Health & Safety about 1 year ago | Report

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But why would you want to give a kid beer? Just because she loves it? Is it because you don't want her to cry or have a tantrum?

margit crane answered in Kid Health & Safety about 1 year ago | Report

3 comments by MarciaStein, margit crane, and becauseisaidso…

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I just can't believe the other answers! Margit is right to ask about your motives. Kids like a lot of things that aren't good for them in the short or long term, but it's our job as parents to step up and be the parents.

MarciaStein commented 10 months ago | Report

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Give me a thousand thumbs down if you need to. As a parent educator I'm pretty sure that many of you will find that it wasn't such a good idea after all. Stating that it's common for a particular nationality to do it is not an argument to do it yourself. It's not like there aren't French or Italian alcoholics!

Giving your children hits of booze sends a message that the parent is amused by this rather than thinking about whether it is good or bad for the child. There is no reason in the world to give a child alcohol, watered down or not. It prevents nothing and teaches no positive lesson.

margit crane commented 10 months ago | Report

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I think the motive question is right on. The original poster said that dad is giving the toddler a sip whenever he has a beer. Why? Because the toddler LOVED it. That's where the problem is for me. Toddler asks for alcohol. Toddler gets alcohol EVERY TIME dad has a beer because toddler LOVES beer. Really?!?

That's my problem with the original question. I do happen to believe that as a child ages... not a kid that still 'toddles'... it is okay to introduce responsible and watered down drinks within the confines of the home. Where should our children learn limits and responsible behavior if not from their parents at home? I have allowed my teenage daughters mimosa's on special occasions in my home and don't feel bad at all. Hugely different situations IMHO though.

becauseisaidso commented 10 months ago | Report

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