Happy New Year!

1.1.11

A new year and a new beginning. I hope that all mothers of teenagers and young adults had an uneventful New Year's Eve. I have a number of friends who decided to host parties, for their teenagers, where they buy the alcohol (mostly beer) and take the car keys of all drivers.

I am still unsure that this is a good idea but I understand the dilemma that so many parents face. Teenagers are drinking. If they are not drinking at your home, then they will do it somewhere else. Do you want your teen drinking and driving? I think not.

Our country has a double standard when it comes to the lives of our young adults. You can join the military at 18 years of age but you can not drink a glass of beer or wine. You can die serving your country at 18 but you can't have a drink. In Europe, the laws are quite different and I think more sensible.

If drinking is so bad then no one should drink no matter how old they are. I believe that we should establish tough drinking and driving rules. In Germany, if you drink and drive the fines can range up to $20,000 depending on your income. Strict enforcement of the rules would deter most drivers.

As a mother of two teenagers and one young adult, I have never hosted a party where I permitted underage drinking. My children think I am too overprotective. I will proudly wear that badge forever. Teens can die when they binge on alcohol. I do not want that kind of responsibility.

I understand why parents chose to host a party where they are in control of the amount of alcohol that is consumed. I understand why a parent might want to know what their children are doing versus staying up all night praying that they come home safely.

I understand and pray for all the mothers and fathers of teenagers and young adults. No one wants to get that phone call in the middle of the night. Parenting is really hard.

Diary of a Yale Mom