Below is an amazingly cute picture of beer and my one year old…but first, a few words.
I cannot help but occasionally write about the melding of two passions of mine: Beer and kids. You see, I love beer, and I love all five of my kids…and before you ask, no, I do not love the brews more than the bambinos. So isn’t it natural that the two should coalesce into a post or two?
I want beer to be a very natural part of life for my kids; so much so, that when they come of age, beer is not some forbidden fruit to be consumed in large quantities. I do not want my kids to drink it for drinkings sake. I don’t want my kids, when of age, to run down to the local gas station and pick up a 24 pack of Bud Light, and drink one after the other like some sort of monotonous routine. So occasionally, I give my kids a teaspoon size sip of a brew. At their young age, their palates and minds are so wide open, that the more different flavors you get them used to, the less picky they’ll be. And, since one day I am sure one of my kids will be president of the United States of America, I am snubbing the potential for a Bush/Broccoli incident in the butt right now.
Anyhow, Ivan–my youngest–saw me pour a brew and had his mind made up that he was going to get it. When I would not allow him a sip, he was stretching his fat little hand towards the glass for about fifteen minutes. Eventually he even tried climbing up on a chair to get the brew.
Now, please share any beer and kids stories…I’d love to hear ‘em. Post a picture in the comments section even, if you know some basic html. And if you don’t have any kids and beer stories, feel free to tell my boy is the cutest thing you’ve ever seen.
My brother is a Brew Pub aficionado, so it is a normal occurrence to get a picture or two every weekend with him and his daughter(s) at a brewpub. Family event.
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nate Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
Beer and homebrewing is a family event around here too…I–sadly–don’t make it out too often. When my budget becomes more flexible I would love to introduce my kids to the brewpub.
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No kids yet, but hopefully that will change very soon. (Like 3 months from now.)
I do like your idea of making beer a normal part of their lives so that hopefully, when they need to make decisions for themselves about beer, they choose wisely.
Great picture BTW!
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nate Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Hey thanks, Scott! And congratulations! Are you and your wife expecting a boy or girl?
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Scott-TheBrewClub Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
Thanks Nate! We’re expecting a girl and this is actually the first time I’m mentioning it online. THFB is the place for breaking news!
Any tips? (I’ve heard you have some knowledge of children!)
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nate Reply:
January 27th, 2011 at 7:40 am
Sweet! I love my girls. I’m honored you broke the news here! Tips? I’m no expert, but I quite reading the ‘experts’. That’s my best advice.
Nate, you just inspired a post from me on this… check my blog later for details… and pictures. It will have something to do with a recent hop harvest and kids.
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Big Tex Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Been super busy lately… so have patience.
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Looking forward to it!
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I have had a hard time figuring out what to do with my son. When at a grocery store and looking at beer my 2 year old will yell “I like beer!”. I would love to be able to explain to him the rights and wrongs of beer but it’s too difficult for him to understand. And my wife would love to be ridden of the embarrassment of my son’s proclamations.
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THFBeer_nate Reply:
January 27th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Bobby, thanks for the comment. Funny story! I’ve had awkward grocery store moments too. Despite the embarrassment at least the laws on your side…it is legal for an underage kid to receive small sips from their guardian. And, though it may offend a few, I’d be willing to bet that when your boy professes his love for beer, there are a few other dads who wish their son would do the same.
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