2.07.2012

BARS AND CHILDREN… Yes or No?

I’m working on my home in a much slower pace than before because I want it to be exactly how I want it.  One thing that I want that I’ve certainly taken a liking to are home bars and bar carts.  You may remember when I showed you a sneak peek at my little “bar” that I’m putting together in my living room

tray and pellegrino 

I’m still working on it

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While setting it up, I got to thinking if it is considered inappropriate for parents of young children to have bars set up in their home?

 

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Here’s what I think, I have two separate living areas in my home.  One is the family room and the other is in the works of becoming my “formal” living room (one again).  I figure if it’s not a space where the children are allowed to play and do whatever in, then it’s ok to have a small bar set-up.  I think anything can be done in a tasteful manner.  My husband and I don’t drink around the boys.  During our holiday party, I made sangria and the adults did drink that while the kids were around, but I think drinking wine is different. 

What are your thoughts on a home bar with children in the house?

Ps, Want to read a great write up for creating your own home bar?  Check out Deborah Milne’s article in the latest issue of House of Fifty!

14 comments:

Katri said...

Totally okay. I feel it's perfectly okay to have a bar in your home as long as you treat the bar/drink with respect. Meaning, don't get sloshed. I grew up watching my parents have a drink every night before dinner and maybe a glass of wine during dinner. Never once have I seen my parents have "one too many"...it was treated with respect. Too often these days kids see images or hear of celebrities driving drunk and such...it's okay for kids to see their parents being good role models and enjoying a drink...without the need to get drunk. Great question!

And Happy Birthday! LOVE the pink and blue pix from yesterday!

Tonia Lee Smith said...

I believe alcoholic beverages should be kept out of sight from children and out only when they are being used by adults of a legal drinking age.

Niki McNeill Brown said...

I grew up with parents that always had parties, so seeing adult beverages around was not strange... but we were always taught not to touch! I think it depends on the family...

Sing of Singature Style said...

I don't see a problem. You train children not to touch or play with certain things and liquior is no different.

Unknown said...

I don't think its an issue at, we might add a home wine bar area in dining room - wine glasses wine etc.

I think its all about teaching your children whats for them and what's for adults only.

Kim said...

I was wondering the same thing recently. I have my vintage wine decanters on display with scotch in them. I totally trust my teenager, but wonder if others will judge.
xoxo,
Kim

Tricia said...

I don't see a problem with it. I don't have anywhere to put a mini bar, but all of our liquor is in a cabinet in the kitchen and my wine is on the wine rack and in the fridge. We typically don't drink in front of E. We have our cocktails a couple nights a week while watching tv after we have put E to bed. The only time I can think of drinking in front of him is when we are outside grilling in the summer. You just have to have a beer with a steak. ;)

All that said, if I had a nice buffet and the place for a buffet, I would probably have some alcohol on display in pretty decanters and such.

STARDUST said...

I don't see any problem with that. Children most likely won't even want to taste any alcohol even if we give them some. And if a kid tries it, he wouldn't like it! The only problem for me is not to break any bottle or glass!

Anonymous said...

Honestly I don't really see anything wrong with it. We have a had a drink or two around my nieces & nephews but they are well aware that you are not to drink until you are of age. We also do not get drunk. Maybe another option would be to just include the glasses and water and bring out the alcohol when you have an actual party? BTW I love you instagram-ing LOL

Champagne on Tuesdays said...

Also don't see a problem with it. I'm married to a man from Europe and I admit he's influenced me, but additionally - I'd rather have my children be first exposed to wine, etc. by seeing it responsibly enjoyed, than first see it in some kid's basement with kids getting wasted. Because they will see it, one way or the other. :)

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

It's okay, as with everything else it is important to teach children the appropriate use of things, including alcohol. If it's hidden away and treated like a "no-no" that is exactly what they'll want to "discover" on their own later. My opinion. :) Janell

A room with a view said...

My alcohol is hidden away in a bar dedicated to wine glasses and alcohol. It is in the dining room - out of sight. It is when the kids are at an age when they might see their peers experiment with alcohol (inappropriately) that one has to be careful. Best to start talking about it now. It should not be a taboo issue. Also, you can teach/control your own kids but one cannot be responsible for other people's kids when they visit.

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Pupu Pujiah said...

Nice Article.... :-)