Controversial kids' party trend divides online: 'It's a pet peeve'

The age-old debate of whether it's appropriate to have alcohol at children's birthday parties has once again ignited a lively discussion across social media platforms. It all started with a simple question posted in a Sydney Mums' Facebook group, where a concerned parent raised the issue of boozy beverages at kiddie gatherings.

"Personally it makes me uncomfortable to take my baby/kids to a place with drunk adults," the parent expressed, asking the group whether her discomfort was justified or if she was simply "too sensitive." She shared her dilemma about an upcoming first birthday bash where cocktails, wine, and beer were on the menu.

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Responses poured in, showcasing a range of opinions. Some insisted that children's parties should remain alcohol-free zones, citing safety concerns and the need to set a responsible example. Others took a more relaxed stance, arguing that moderation is key and that a few drinks can enhance the celebratory vibe without crossing the line.

"Why does there have to be drunk adults?" questioned one member. "If you are uncomfortable having your child around drinking at all, that's fine too, and you don't need to go," they added.

Drinking in moderation

Yet, amidst the debate, there were those who viewed alcohol as an integral part of adult enjoyment at these events.

"Always alcoholic drinks at our kids' birthdays!" exclaimed one parent, while another cheekily admitted, "Kids parties can be a bit draining for us adults, a couple of wines or beers would certainly help me get through."

"People can drink without getting drunk. I'd have no issues with it," someone else agreed.

Are kids' parties for the parents?

Certainly, within the group, a prevailing view emerged suggesting that first birthday parties were predominantly for the parents anyway, as one member stated that "1st birthdays in particular are more for the parents," highlighting it as a "chance to celebrate making it to one year of parenthood."

Drawing parallels to dining out, one commenter likened serving alcohol at a children's party to having a celebratory drink during a family dinner at a restaurant. "Doesn't mean there will be drunk adults, just that it will be available for adults to have a glass to celebrate," they pointed out.

Some did suggest however that alcohol at parties for toddlers and primary school children would make them uncomfortable too: "If there was alcohol at the later birthdays, I wouldn't really like that," one group member said.

Unresolved debate

This debate isn't new, having circulated in online parenting communities for years. Another parent posted a similar question on the Baby Center online forum, revealing a similar split in responses.

"I've been to a couple of first birthdays lately where alcohol was provided for the adults," she wrote. "Personally, I'm a little bit uncomfortable when someone's on their 6th beer at a kids' party. It's great that parents can relax and have a chat, but I just don't think it's really the time or place."

The sentiment was echoed by another parent who humorously remarked, "I think no because you can't supervise the party wasted!"

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Meanwhile, others took a more lenient stance, with one parent stating, "As long as no one is drunk and there are sober adults to supervise the kids, I don't see a big issue."

However, for some, the idea of alcohol at children's parties remains a no no. "It's a pet peeve of mine. Going to a kids' party and the parents use it as an excuse to get trashed," expressed one member. "If the parents want to find an excuse to get drunk, surely they could find another better time to do so."

In the end, it seems the issue of alcohol at children's parties boils down to individual preferences and attitudes towards drinking. Whether it's seen as an essential ingredient for adult enjoyment or a potential hazard in a kid-friendly environment, the jury is still out!

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