Alright, so we love beer. But, if you’ve got them, where do your kids belong in this relationship with craft beer culture? Are you more like the dad who waits till the kids are asleep to crack one open, or are you the mom at the brewery with a beer in one hand and a babbling baby in the other?
There are so many lesson-worthy aspects to beer culture that your offspring will be better off for because it was shared with them (the facets, not the beer itself…. or maybe when they’re in high school). At the same time because of beer’s tie to alcohol, and thus alcoholism and the general stigma left from prohibition, don’t count on never getting that judgmental side eye from your grandma’s sister when you ask your 4 year old to bring you your IPA.
If you’re not so sure parents should be shameless in towing their little ones along with this passion, I’ll give you a couple reasons why beer is not an unfamiliar topic to my son.
Homebrewing is a bonding experience
Depending on how you angle it, involving your child with homebrewing is like cooking dinner, or a science experiment. Having them help with tasks and watching what you do is giving them the responsibility of being a part of what makes your home go round. It’s a productive way to spend time with each other and probably the coolest thing they’ll learn from you. Alternatively, if you are new to homebrewing you could emphasize the scientific aspect of beer brewing. Win-win science project anyone?
Many craft breweries are opting to be family-friendly
I’m sure when you had kids you still wanted your lifestyle to remain relatively the same, right? Sure, there were some compromises and less of your own time, but to a problem-solver that just means you have to figure out a way to optimally incorporate the kids. Some breweries, especially ones run by folks with kids themselves, totally get it. They’re doing things like adding kid corners with toys and games, or just making sure they have child satisfying chocolate milk handy. Breweries offer a totally different atmosphere than bars. And your kids will see you supporting a smaller business and be a part of the community you build there. Just make sure they know how to act.
What isn’t taboo isn’t enticing
If your kids see your relationship to beer more about the culture than the alcohol, this should create a healthy association. Allow yourself to be an example of drinking responsibly.
Now, let me be clear. With all that said, your child has to clearly understand that while beer culture can be fun, the beverage is for adults. Generally at a young age this shouldn’t be too hard.
Do you involve your kids with beer culture? Any hesitations?