That is neat! I don't think I have the patience to make wine. P.S. Amie, I tried to visit your blog and the link isn't working.
Hmm. Thanks for the heads up. You're not missing anything. I posted an intro in September and haven't added a single other post since. ha! OK, now I have to think of something to blog.
We are an Italian family (well, I married into an Italian immigrant family). As such, my husband grew up having a glass of wine with his meals "as soon as he could lift a small wine glass". He often has a glass of red wine with dinner even now. I rarely do (not a drinker). Yes, the children have seen him "drink". He has never been "drunk" though.
My dad wasn't a drinker, but his dad also came from Italy. I remember him going to G'ma's and having a beer with his brothers, but I've never seen him drunk. And he didn't drink at home, because Mom NEVER drank. Also when we went to Germany to my little brother's wedding and her family offered it to him. Mom, Dad, and I went out to lunch once. Mom saw an ad on the table for a strawberry daiquiri, and said she'd like to try one. My mouth dropped open. She explained that someone where she worked was telling her how good they were. Dad gave her a strange look and said, "You DO know those have alcohol in them....?" And the look of shock on her face....LOL!
My husband and I drink occasionally. My husband drinks socially with his brothers during family cookouts or during the games, and I have an occasional glass of wine at dinner or before bed. We don't hide our alcohol, but we try to keep it out of their reach in case of juvenile curiosity. My mother (God bless her) is an alcoholic. My children unfortunately have witnessed her drinking and her drunken behavior. We never drink with my mom, and I don't recall my children ever seeing me "tipsy". I don't condone drunkenness, but hiding it and keeping it a "secret" can cause curious children to become even more curious. I think if we educate our children on the dangers of drinking too much alcohol and how it can affect relationships and impair one's judgment would be a good practice to have. Drinking is not evil or even sinful IMO. It's how one behaves while or after drinking that determines whether a child should be exposed to it or not. We should also stress that drinking is a privilege set aside for adults only, and that at no given time should a child be allowed to drink or even taste alcohol (outside of communion) until they are of legal age. This may vary from country to country, but children need to understand the rules and respect them. They were made for everyone's safety in mind.
I don't drink but my husband does. He drinks in moderation and has never been drunk or even tipsy in front of the kids. I never really thought about it being a bad example. In fact I thought that it was showing the proper view of alcohol, that it can be enjoyed without overdoing it. So I agree with the other poster who said that unless your mother was drunk in front of your son, then what's the problem?
