My partner and I enjoy our share of drinks—often a bit more than just a casual sip. Our home is stocked with beer, and after a visit to the local market, we might end up with a couple of cases of wine. Our basement shelves are lined with various bottles of spirits, some full, some half-empty, and others nearly drained. Meanwhile, our refrigerators are filled with beer and wine.
We have two teenage boys who spend a lot of their time gaming or hanging out with friends. Recently, a friend of mine asked me where we keep our alcohol and was shocked to learn that it was simply on a shelf in the basement. She couldn’t believe we were comfortable leaving it there, unsupervised, around the teens. Honestly, I hadn’t given it much thought either. Am I a terrible parent for not thinking we needed to lock it away?
As I contemplated the idea of my sons possibly sneaking a drink, I experienced a moment of panic. Would they actually be curious enough to try a beer or take a sip of the whiskey? I imagined scenarios where they might get dared by a friend or, worse yet, where one of them would end up in trouble. The “what-ifs” spiraled in my mind: what if they got drunk and needed to be taken home? Would I have to admit that the alcohol was ours?
But then I paused and reflected on my boys. They generally maintain good grades, respect curfews, and act with decent manners. They are good kids, and their friends are no different. This doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be tempted to sneak a drink, but it does mean they’ve earned my trust. I believe they know right from wrong, and I trust them to make wise decisions. If they were to take a sip, I reckon the taste would be unpleasant enough to deter them.
When they were younger, I didn’t hide knives or use childproof locks. I wanted them to learn boundaries, to ask questions, and to understand consequences. Throughout their upbringing, they’ve heard stories from my own teenage years—tales of rebellion, parties, and mistakes. While I’m not proud of every decision I made back then, I did learn valuable lessons. They know their grandparents granted me the same level of trust I now extend to them.
My boys are not perfect, but I refuse to lock away our alcohol. I recognize that, like me, they might still make mistakes. However, I also believe in open communication about important topics like underage drinking, honesty, and personal responsibility. I expect them to be respectful, hardworking, and to understand the limits that exist within our household. I can only hope they heed my guidance, and if they do, our alcohol supply should remain intact.
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Summary
In this article, Jenna discusses her decision not to lock away alcohol in her home despite having teenage sons. She reflects on the trust she has in her children, their good behavior, and the importance of open communication about responsible choices. The piece emphasizes the need for parents to balance supervision with trust as their children mature.