I'm livid my 13yo was served 'Prosecco' at a birthday party

“Sounds like an early intro to the toxic mummy wine culture." Do you agree with this mum?

Eleanor Katelaris

2 min read

February 7, 2024 - 2:06PM

Image: Pexels

Parenting

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When mum, Carrie, went to pick up her 13-year-old from a friend’s party recently, she was left shocked - not because her daughter had been underage drinking (she hadn't been) - but because she had been served non-alcoholic Prosecco.

While it’s not illegal for minors to consume non-alcoholic alternatives, Carrie said it “didn’t sit right” with her that something meant to mimic the taste and experience of alcohol was offered to children.

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Image: Pexels

The mum served alcohol-free Prosecco

Taking to Mumsnet, she explained that her daughter attended the sleepover party with 12 other girls from her year eight class.

“When I picked her up at 9:30 in the morning, she told me that the mum had got some alcohol-free Prosecco for them.

“She said that she had tried it but it was horrible so discreetly left it on the table.

“It’s been playing on my mind and just doesn’t sit right with me giving children that young alcohol-free Prosecco."

Carrie then mentions she’s the daughter of an alcoholic, so may be triggered more by this situation than other parents.

“I’m not sure if I’m being over the top,” she concludes, before throwing it to the group for their opinions.

"She totally wanted to be the cool mum"

The comment section was full of mums reassuring her that she was justified in her concerns.

“Early intro to the toxic mummy wine culture,” one person claimed. “I would be very unhappy. You’re not the weird one here!”

Others took issue with the fact the mum didn’t check with her first, before serving the bubbly.

“When we have kids over, I always send a message or mention to the parent what they will be having,” one mum shared.

Then another person offered up a different perspective, saying it was probably more about the mum “wanting to look cool” than the tweens actually expressing an interest in pretend drinking. “She totally wanted to be the cool mum,” they said.

“It wouldn’t sit right with me. It’s not only about it having no alcohol, it’s the whole culture around alcohol, which is why you need ID to buy it and kids can’t buy it,” someone else concluded.

On the other hand, a few commenters couldn’t see the issue with it.

“I’m surprised how many people would be upset by this. What if they made and drank mocktails?” one user asked.

“I personally wouldn’t have been that bothered. It’s alcohol-free, it was a birthday party and the mum was probably excited to see the girls all having fun,” another suggested. “If it had been alcohol in it then I wouldn’t have been pleased.”

To learn more about teens and alcohol, visit The Raising Children Network.