Serve Alcohol at Child's Birthday Party???

I wouldn't have a problem with some beer or wine. Even a cocktail or two, as long as they don't become the focal point of the party. If everyone is hanging around the bar, then it becomes more about the parents than the kids. I think having some beer available makes it low key, and if it is in the adult ice chest, it isn't a big deal.

Just my personal opinion here, but I don't think alcohol should be served at a child's party.

People will be driving their children there right? They are going to drink and then drive their kids home?

I would never serve alcohol at my daughter's birthday party. But again, just my personal opinion here. to each their own :)

Hmm I "used" to think this was a big deal when I was younger and wanted to make things JUST RIGHT for my daughter. Over the last few years I've realized letting her see adults responsibily have a beer or drink is not a big deal. The past 2 years I've served sangria for the adults @ her b-day parties and also some of the men have brought beer. I don't think it's a big deal as long no one is getting drunk and doing shots. lol

How else is a parent supposed to get through a couple hours being around a bunch of screaming children? (she says with a wee hint of a snicker for the uptight ones)

If you're in a cul-de-sac, parents are WALKING over I don't understand the fuss or issue. And let them have cake ;)

Whenever I have parents over I make sure I have beer.

I can't imagine many men who want to come to a kids party and not have beer, lol.

Next time I'm totally adding margaritas for the moms!

Sounds like a lot of fun, something for everyone. I'll bring the Sangria! Enjoy it.

I personally would not serve any kind of alcohol at a child's birthday, I guarentee you if you do, at least one child will find a way to get their hands on some. Adults should be able to enjoy themselves just by watching the children enjoy themselves. I would not allow smoking at a child's party either. Call me old fashioned and that's OK, My 3 children had birthday party's every year while in elementry school, not one beer was ever served. What does it say about someone that can't enjoy themselves with out drinking? I'm sure most will dissagree and that's OK too. But the ones who think it is OK, and they do serve it what examples are they setting for children, and I wonder how many children they are resposible for getting a hold on alcohol. It's a shame when adults have to drink to have a good time. J.

Maybe it is a family thing? IDK. We have beer/wine at all of our family parties, whether they are kid parties or not. I mean, we don't get drunk or anything, but we have cocktails!

I guess that's your call. Most people I know can enjoy an adult beverage responsibly in any situation whether it is at the bar or at child's birthday party.

I would say 8 outta 10 kid parties we go to offer adult bevs. Sometimes we indulge and sometimes we do not.

As a side thought...I am from the school that thinks that hiding things or pretending they do not exist may actually back fire. Best to be upfront about things that adults can do and just show them how to do it "right".

I personally would not serve alcohol at a kids' party. It's inappropriate to have Margaritas and brewskis amidst the Spiderman or Matchbox themed cake and ice cream . What sort of message or example will that set? Are you willing to be responsible if a kid accidentally drinks? Or an adult leaves the party drunk and gets into an accident? In some states, party hosts are equally responsible if someone leaves a party drunk (and with a kid nonetheless in your case) and gets a DWI, or into an accident, or kills someone. Sure the adults might be able to control themselves, but get real, even if they don't get sloppy drunk, they'll probably be buzzed. I say: "I don't think so." Who is this party for anyway? The adults or the kids? If this is a kids party, keep it that way, and save the adult stuff for another time where kids won't be present.

It is really up to you and if you are comfortable with alcohol at the party. We usually have our kids birthday parties on a Saturday and serve dinner. We have beer and wine available, along with pop, juice, water. We are comfortable with having the alcohol around. I see no big deal in have a beer or two or a glass of wine if you are an adult. As long as everyone is drinking in moderation.

Whatever you are comfortable with and decide I am sure the party will be great.

We do it. We are not shy about enjoying the occasional beer or coctail with the kids around (as long as we're not driving anywhere). Now, I would certainly make sure it stays "under control" and no one gets to the point of intoxication. I don't see anything wrong with it...its pretty normal in our community.

We've always offered wine, beer, or cocktail to guests at any of our parties, including birthdays.

I have plenty of non alcohol beverages available for those who choose not to have alcohol.

No big deal to me.

I really don't see a problem. Also for those people who are saying make sure people don't drive home with their kids...duh! I don't think you need to worry about parents endangering their own kids because you allowed beer and margaritas at your kids party.
It os obvious the it is not some type of frat party and most adults know how to limit their alcohol consumption and be responsible around kids.
I usually have some wine or champagne and beer at our parties. It is no big deal.
My daughters birthday parties have been great and no one has ever got drunk nor have any of the kids ever drank the alcohol!

We have done it. Like the previous post said.. we too have it at most of our family get togethers. If it is an outdoor neighborhood type party- I think it is fine. Like everyone else has said... "in moderation". Have fun and happy birthday to your son!

I don't think it's a big deal as long as it isn't overly excessive. We had alcohol at our son's first birthday party & a few people had a beer or two but that's about it. My sister will be serving alcohol at her son's first birthday party as well. I say as long as people aren't drinking too much and getting drunk that a drink or two should be no problem. :-)

My kids are only 1 and 3, but we've always done evening cook-outs for their birthday parties, and we've served wine and beer to our guests. It never really occurred to me not to. If it were lunch, I might not....but it wouldn't bother me if other parents brought a cooler of beer or something. Our friends never get carried away around the kids, so I just don't worry about the alcohol factor.

K

I say absolutely serve up some drinks! Every year for my kids birthday party we do the same party as you describe, with the bounce house in the cul-de-sac etc. In years past I tried to supply "drinks" for everyone, but that gets very costly as the number of people keep increasing. Now I just write on the invitation BYOB, and every one dose. It is a relaxed atmosphere with family and friends having a good time, so why not let people enjoy themselves how they choose to. The way I figure it, most invitees live near by so in the worst case they can always walk home. We have done this for several years now and people actually look forward to it, so do what makes you happy and have FUN.

You know your friends best- if they are responsible, then there is nothing wrong with serving alcohol. Most parents are aware of the fact that they will be driving their children home (although in your case they will be walking), so just keep an eye on the situation.

We usually do beer, wine, soda, water and juice regardless of the audience. I'm not a huge fan of hard alcohol at events with large numbers of people and children, but that's just me!

Sounds like a gathering of cul de sac neighbors and kids. Probably walking there & home. I don't see any issue with serving alcohol. If there is someone there abusing it, that's their problem.

I think it sort of depends on what kind of party it is. If it is in your home, and just really a kid's party, then I probably would not serve alcohol. On the other hand, this sounds like sort of a neighborhood shin-dig , like a smaller version of a block party, and at something like that, you most likely WOULD have beers and margaritas.

Adults can drink alcoholic beverages- it's just a fact. If you were having a dinner party, you probably wouldn't think twice about serving a bottle of wine with dinner- its a pretty common hostess gift. Or serving beer at a cookout in your backyard.

I would rather kids see adults drinking occasionally in a responsible way, than have them get exposed to alcohol in junior high or high school and never have any preparation for how to deal with it. Explaining to children about how drinking is a privilege of adulthood- but also something that you have to be careful and responsible about, like driving a car, is a necessity in today's society, IMO.

Unless you think or know that any parents will behave inappropriately or drink too much, I would say a few beers and margaritas for the grownups who want them are not inappropriate. But in the end, it is your party and your rules, so it really depends on how you feel about it. Most likely the birthday child and the other kids won't even notice one way or the other!

If you're doing a BBQ style b-day party, then why not have beers or margaritas for the grown-ups? It's not like the kids are going to be drinking it. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with it.

I don't think it's a big deal.. If everyone's being safe and it's mostly your neighbors anyway, they can all walk home.
For my son's bday party last year we had 2 parties- We rented out a indoor kids place on a Saturday and then all adult party where we served alcohol on a Sunday...
Both were great!

I don't SERVE it, but I don't care if people have a drink at my kid's parties. As long as they stay sober and not act like a fool (which has never happened), I see nothing wrong with it.

We've had 3 out of my daughter's 4 birthdays at home and always have adult beverages. We have yet to have an intoxicated toddler in the bounce house :) My daughter and husband's birthdays are 3 days apart, so it's always a huge gathering of kids and adults to celebrate. Even places like Chuck E Cheese (they serve beer!), Amazing Jakes (margaritas) can incorporate kid fun while incorporating responsible adult drinking. I really don't see that it's a big deal.

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I really would have to know your friends to answer this correctly. If your friends get wild and then drive drunk, i say no. But if your friends are responsible, keep it light and have designated drivers i say go for it. It really just depends on your friends.

Yes, we allowed beer and Margaritas at our childrens parties. I did not drink if I was the hostess. I usually did not really provide all of it, but our friends and neighbors knew they could bring it over if they wanted it..

I don't think it's a good idea, maybe AFTER the party favors like present, cake and ice cream but don't take the focus from the birthday boy. if parents want to get together for games later that night, and have some drinks or just hang loose then go for it.

My son is nine and we have had three birthday pary's at out home for him. Each time the parents were invited as well and we had beer and mixed drinks for the adults along with non alcoholic drinks. No one got drunk but enjoyed themselves while the kiddo's had their own fun. I don't think the children even noticed because it wasn't made to be a big deal. Have fun whatever you decide!

I have seen people to both. What I personally suggest is this is a birthday party for the 6yr old. No alchohol.

However, you may consider that after the birthday party it become a neighborhood party (sounds like it may be that anyway) and let the guys have thier beer and the girls their margaritas.

I would just tell them BYOB. That is, if you are comfortable with it. If not, then just say no.
I, personally, wouldn't have a problem with it.

When I had neighbor hood parties for my boys, they would start after lunch, and after the kids stuff, would go on into the night with a BBQ. I have never seen it as an issue.

I don't see anything wrong with it. Cheers!

Hey it's a gathering of all ages it wouldn't hurt have them enjoy them i'm sure the kids won't get into them they know who they are for...Have fun

When we're having the party at our house, we do serve adult beverages. When we're at a park or somewhere else, we don't. All of our friends are responsible; if some weren't I would rethink the alcohol, most definitely.

Do what makes YOU comfortable. As the hostess, that's your perogotive.

We used to have beer at our birthday parties - because my husband loves a good high quality beer. No one ever acted up, but honestly, it just got too expensive. No one complained or asked about beer after we stopped buying it (I did tell two of the beer loving guys they'd need to bring their own if they wanted it, but I didn't bother to mention it to anyone else).

Margaritas would be over the edge for me. In my book, that's not how we party when the celebration is about turning 6. To me, a Dad or Mom having one or two beers is totally different from drinking something made with tequila.

For me, it would depend on the guest list. Are parents coming who would be uncomfortable with it, or with their children watching adults drinking? Any recovering alcoholics attending? If not, and if the kids are used to their parents having access to beverages they are not allowed to share, then it's probably fine.

Yeah, beer and margaritas for the Moms and Dads sound pretty good!