Super Bowl parties and alcohol

For many families, beer, wine and other spirits will be served at our football parties. There's nothing wrong with it -- that is if you are an adult and responsible (don't drive under the influence - get a designated driver).

This release brings up some good points about alcohol and kids at those parties. An important point is supervision and consequences for breaking rules. The info comes from Health World and "Draw the Line" (www.drawyourline.com).

Here goes (as is):

· Be clear with your children about where you stand on alcohol use. Talk it over before any event or party. Offer sound facts and solid examples of the damage alcohol can do.

· Set consequences for breaking family rules about drinking. Remind older siblings that they also are role models to little brothers and sisters. All have a responsibility to supervise underage drinkers.

· Provide fun alternative, non-alcoholic drinks and keep them separate from beer and wine, so you know what kids are pouring by where they are in the room. Don’t keep soda cans in an ice chest with beer in order to easily know what the kids are grabbing.

· Don’t serve children who are underage, and recognize that the law prohibits serving alcohol in your home to anyone whom you “know or should know” is under age 21.

· Be present throughout the party and circulate among younger guests. Don’t be pressured into staying out of sight or allowing younger guests to separate from the party.

· Offer activities at the event besides drinking and dining to help non-drinkers and children feel included in the celebration.

· Don’t over-consume yourself. Remember that children mimic the behavior of adults around them. If it’s ok for adults to be drunk, teens are likely to argue that they should have that right too – now or when they reach the same age.

· If during the party, a minor appears to have consumed too much, let their parent know. Don’t assume that they and their parent have safe transportation home. Give them a ride.

Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.