I’ve written this one in my head for 4 years now and finally have the guts to publish it. Putting these words on paper will mean one of the following:
Someone will;
- Call me a "stick in the mud"
- Agree with me
- Think I should live on another planet
- Defriend me, either on Facebook or in real life
At this over 40 stage of my life I worry less and less about others’ opinions. (Wait til I’m 80).
Here goes. I just have a question.
When did Trick or Treating with children become a drink fest? I am not talking about the tots running amok with Grey Goose and Bud Light. I am speaking of the parents who carry a cooler on their backs while the kids are running door to door to score some sugar. Seriously, it’s everywhere. No matter which neighborhood you venture into; the high class and the not so high class. The parents are chugging beer while the kids are chomping on Charleston Chews.
When exactly did this happen? Has it been going on for years and I was just unconscious?
Here’s the thing. I do not drink at all. Was never much of a drinker before I had kids and then once I did have them, I somehow developed a strange allergy to booze. I might have a sip of wine and seriously, that is more than my body can handle. So, it’s easy for me to sit on my wagon and judge. Alcoholic beverages are not my thing. Now, if you’re going to criticize people who eat chocolate excessively.....
I digress. I don't judge people for drinking responsibly. BUT....
I think that childhood is a very short ride and kids only have a very brief window of time to be innocent. And I look at Halloween as a fun and carefree childhood activity. Why do parents have to infuse alcohol into it? Is Trick or Treating so stressful that you need to get through it by drinking a 6 pack? I just. Don’t. Get it.
And it’s not just Halloween. It’s kids’ birthday parties, it’s play dates with mommies drinking margaritas, it’s the “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere” attitude. It’s those damn “Real Housewives” on Bravo TV. Whenever the ladies get together you never see anyone drinking a cup of coffee. They are too drunk, hooked up to Pinot I.Vs. One couple could not endure a family photo shoot without a gallon of burgundy red on the side. I don’t find it funny. I find it pathetic and I think it sets a horrible example for children. Growing up thinking that this amount of alcohol consumption is normal, is not normal. And I really feel like part of the minority.
There's a time and a place for everything. Children's events should be just that; for children. The adults should plan their adult parties another time.
I’d love to know what the audience thinks. Does it bother anyone else? Please share your comments below!
