My Kid Wants to Partake in Something That Technically Isn’t Illegal for Kids. But It Just Doesn’t Feel Right.
A parent seeks advice on whether it's appropriate for their 13-year-old son and 14-year-old niece to try non-alcoholic beer, despite it being legally permissible. The columnist advises against it, emphasizing that these drinks are designed for adults and may encourage early familiarity with alcohol-related habits. Instead, the parent is encouraged to offer age-appropriate celebratory alternatives and reinforce that such choices can wait until adulthood.
- ▪Non-alcoholic beer and wine are designed to mimic the taste and experience of alcohol for adult consumers.
- ▪Some states require individuals to be 21 to purchase non-alcoholic alcoholic beverages.
- ▪The columnist advises against allowing teens to consume these drinks to prevent early normalization of alcohol-related behaviors.
- ▪Sparkling water or other flavorful non-mimicking drinks are suggested as better celebratory options for youth.
- ▪The parent expresses discomfort despite no clear legal or health prohibition, and seeks a reasoned explanation for their boundary.
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Care and Feeding My Kid Wants to Partake in Something That Technically Isn’t Illegal for Kids. But It Just Doesn’t Feel Right. I’m following my gut. Advice by Arionne Nettles May 04, 20266:00 AM Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Getty Images Plus. Copy Link Share Share Comment Copy Link Share Share Comment Care and Feeding is Slate’s parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here. Dear Care and Feeding, I quit drinking alcohol, but keep THC soda, non-alcoholic “gin” (really just herbal water), and non-alcoholic beer/wine around, usually leftovers from parties. We’re very clear that THC and other inebriants are off limits because of the effect they can have on brain development.
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