Sharing a drink with mom and dad

Parents are getting cooler by the generation. Children today have their first drink at home...
India's surely making a march ahead, especially when it comes to implementing some of the western ways of life. Indian parents, who traditionally used to scorn at the mention of their children drinking, are ensuring their children have their first glass of alcohol at home or in their sight at least. We take a closer look at this growing trend.

An icebreaker
Aditya Jain, a 23-year-old investment banker, says, "I still recollect my first drink. It was my 18th birthday. My father pulled out his favourite whiskey from the bar cabinet at home and poured me a drink. He said to me that if I do take to alcohol, it'd rather be at home, where I understood there's nothing bad about it. Ever since, I have been comfortable telling him if I had a hangover or drank too much. It helps."
And these aren't limited to just the boys. Even girls believe that this trust factor helps them. 20-year-old Priya A, says, "My first clubbing experience was with my parents. How cooler can it get! On my 18th birthday, my parents took me out to a pub in the city. While I was initially embarrassed, I understood the implied meaning. Today, they ask me and my friends drink at home if at all we want to. I think it is quite cool."
Full reassurance
The parents find the idea of drinking with their children a way of seeking reassurance. "I believe that teaching children their limits early, without actually spelling it out to them, is the key. My three sons today are all over 25. But, I ensured all of them learnt about drinking responsibly at home. Today, they throw house parties when they want to really have a good time and arrange for cabs for their friends. I can sleep in peace," says Arvind Rao, a retired air force pilot. He adds, "In fact, my oldest son, who has two children today feels that I was a lot cooler and level headed when it came to dealing with him as compared to him and his kids. While it is a compliment to me, I tell him that the key towards dealing with children is to teach them how there's nothing wrong, when you know what's right for you."
Growing trend
The city's pubs too see a lot of such parents-children gangs come in for a drink. A manager of a popular restobar in the city says, "There are a lot of people who come to the bar to order a drink and also teach their children about each spirit. It also shows how, today, we have parents and children who aren't embarrassed to hang out and have a good time in each others' company. I think this is one of the best things that has come out, apart from these youngsters learning how much is too much, of course!"
Beware!
While psychologists vouch for the trend, they also say that it can work against the parents' favour. "While parents showing their children that drinking isn't bad or sharing the first drink is a wise step, they need to draw the line. Sometimes, children can take the openness for granted and use that liberty and trust to their own favour. Strictness and discipline, in the right manner, even while bring liberal is a way out. One needs to learn how to draw the line between being a friend and a parent," says Rajiv Srinivasan, psychotherapist.