My House, My Rules: No Alcohol Until You’re 18. Episode 755

Leaving Cert Party or Parenting Fail?

A listener contacted the show with a dilemma that has caused a major disagreement in her household.

Her daughter wants to celebrate the end of her Leaving Cert exams by having a party at the family home. The problem? She wants alcohol to be available for her friends.

The listener says her daughter is almost 17 and most of the teenagers who would attend are also 17. She has already spoken to some of the other parents and says many of them don’t see a problem with it. In fact, some believe it’s safer for teenagers to drink in a controlled environment under adult supervision than to sneak off somewhere else.

But her husband has taken a very different view.

A non-drinker himself, he has firmly stated that no alcohol will be allowed under his roof while the teenagers are under 18. He believes allowing alcohol sends the wrong message and could leave them responsible if anything goes wrong.

So who’s right?

Is this simply the reality of modern parenting and a safer way to celebrate a major milestone? Or should parents draw a clear line and refuse to provide alcohol to anyone underage, regardless of what other families are doing?

On today’s podcast, Niall hears from callers who have faced similar dilemmas and asks: would you allow alcohol at your 17-year-old’s Leaving Cert party? Is the father being sensible and responsible, or is he being far too strict?

Join the conversation as callers share their experiences, opinions and advice on one of the parenting debates that seems to divide families every year.