Page 197 - The Intentional Parent

dinnertime. His theory is that if you let them have a little now, they won't think it's anything special later on. I tend to agree with him but worry that they might develop a liking for the taste and want more of it later. Are we doing the right thing?
I looked for studies that examined whether introducing children to alcohol at an early age made them more or less susceptible to problems later on and came up with nothing very conclusive. Some cultures, such as the French and the Italian, think nothing of allowing kids to sip a glass of wine at dinner. I'm not sure that this kind of exposure will either deter or encourage alcohol abuse later on. Instead, I think other factors play a much larger role.
These factors include a family history of alcohol abuse (children of alcoholics are seven to ten times more at risk for developing alcohol-related problems), a high degree of conflict in the family, and low self-esteem.
Children from all types of family backgrounds and socioeconomic strata can fall prey to alcoholism in their pre-teen and teen years. If you see any of the warning signs of alcoholism in your child, act quickly. You may consult your pediatrician, or you may contact a local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous (it's listed in the phone book).
TEACHING JUST SAY NO
What's the best way to teach my child to say no to alcohol and drugs?
The first important step is to start early. Begin by explaining to children as young as three, four, and five that alcohol is unhealthy for your body when you drink too much of it. Explain that it can
The Intentional Parent by Peter J. Favaro, Ph.D. 197