Eric Asimov, the New York Times wine columnist, asks whether parents should give their children alcohol at an early age to stave off potential abuse later on.
I don't have much to add to this, other than to say that wine, beer, etc, should obviously be introduced as early as possible just as a matter of common sense, because they're not big deals, and are part (for many people) of civilized life. Why we insist on fetishizing the whole issue is quite beyond me.
UPDATE: Read Michael Ruhlman's post on this, as he struggles with what to do with his 12 year old daughter.
3/26/2008
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That is an interesting subject for me now that I have become a mother myself. I grew up in Spain where wine (not so much hard liquor) is part of everyday meals.
My parents never gave us wine but I do remember my uncle giving my 10 year old cousin a very small sip of wine with his hearty lunch. And the same for some friends of mine. And let's say these people have never developed issues with alcohol.
To be honest, I can't imagine giving my kids wine because I am not a big wine drinker myself. I think is healthy to explain to kids that wine is good as something to savor with food and to share with loved ones. I think kids learn from what they see anyway, not from what they hear and especially not from what they are told NOT to do!
My two cents on that.
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