Alcohol at a first birthday party?

[Amalee]

My son is turning 1 in a couple weeks, and we are having a big cookout to celebrate with out family and close friends. I was planning on serving beer and wine, but I recently looked online and there seems to be a resounding internet opinion that there should be absolutely no alcohol at any child's party. What are your thoughts? This is an afternoon party, we will be grilling hotdogs and burgers, and my son will likely be the only one under 15 there (he is the first great-grandchild for my grandmother). No hard alcohol obviously!

The idea of having 30+ adults over for a cookout without having beers available just seems weird to me... And growing up, adults always had a drink or two at 1st communions, graduations, and other parties for people under 21. What are your thoughts?

 

[staralfur]

The only parties I've been to that didn't have beer/wine were ones at locations that forbade it (like kids parks, etc.). Any kids party I've attended that's just at someone's house/open barbeque has had alcohol. We've had my LO's party at our house every year and every year we've invited people to bring beer or whatever they'd like to drink.

As long as no one is getting trashed and inappropriate then it seems like a total non-issue to me.

 

[BrittRashel]

All of my family get togethers include beer and wine regardless of what is being celebrated. I think it just depends on what you are comfortable with and the people that you are inviting. If you know that they are the type that would enjoy a drink or two then by all means, serve it. I think it would only be a problem if you have a few guests that will drink too much and get out of control.

 

[LoraLoo]

We'd be having wine in that situation too 👍 don't see an issue with it at all x

 

[lau86]

I always offer alcohol at any party I host, I know my family/ friends wouldn't get drunk unless it was appropriate!! At my kids parties, people either have a soft drink or just one or two beers/ wines, so it's never an issue.

 

[Amalee]

Great, thanks everyone! I don't have any concerns about anyone getting wasted or anything, I just wasn't sure if I was committing some terrible faux pas that I was unaware of.

 

[Rhio92]

I don't see any problem with people having a few drinks!

 

[smoore]

I think it is completely whatever the norm is for your family/get togethers! I don't think it is bad to have some light drinks (beer/wine) to offer. Especially, since you said you have no worries about your family going overboard.

 

[MindUtopia]

Oh my god, yes! We always have alcohol at our daughter's birthdays. It's pretty much the one thing I look forward to after 6 hours of slaving over food preparation and cake baking! Frankly, there's usually about 3 kids who can make it and about 20 adults, most of whom don't have kids. As we drink, it would be weird to invite people over and not serve alcohol on this one occasion when we do on all others. Now if it was the sort of birthday party (usually when kids get older) where parents just drop them off and leave, it might be a little inappropriate to be drinking heavily when you ought to be supervising other people's children who have been left in your care when there are almost no other adults around. That's different (but personally, we don't do these kinds of parties, parents are expected to stay). But yes, we always have alcohol and I've not personally be to a children's party yet (except one that was at soft play and didn't serve any food at all to parents) that didn't have wine and beer and usually a champagne toast. But I think it's also a cultural thing. Here in the UK, there's alcohol served everywhere (our pubs have playgrounds!), whereas in the U.S., where I also grew up, it's much less the norm. I know American friends who have had nasty comments made about them just for having a glass of wine while they are out for dinner with their kids.

 

[hanni]

If it was an afternoon soft play with 30 other babies and toddlers then no probably not, a family bbq? Absolutely fine! Totally different situation.

 

[pinkpolkadot]

We've always had it at our kids garden parties/BBQs

 

[Amalee]

You've all made me feel SO much better! Thank you. Now I'm wondering where I found all those buzz kills in my initial search...

 

[Googiepie]

I don't see the big deal. I enjoy a glass of wine once the kiddos are in bed so what's the difference?

 

[sethsmummy]

ok im so going against the grain here.. but in my personal opinion no there shouldnt be alcohol. your celebrating a childs birthday... all anyone should be focused on is the child, not having a drink. Adults parties yeah fair enough but no, never at a childs birthday party, i just dont think its right. but like i say thats my personal opinion.

 

[Kirsty3051]

I wouldn't personally because we don't drink or allow alcohol in our house. BUT if it's the norm for your family and you're all drinkers, I don't see the harm.

Only wkds for the baby though, right?

 

[justplay91]

Ha. I'm trying to imagine my family having any gathering that didn't include booze. They aren't alcoholics, but would never have a party without beer! Lol. I guarantee there will be beer/wine at my son's 1st birthday party.

 

[mel28nicole]

There's always at least 1 case of beer at anything we do, including the kids parties. But this time we won't because the park doesn't allow it