Children and Alcohol Don’t Mix

At bustling, joyful holiday parties, this scenario almost seems inevitable: children eat too much sugar when the adults aren't looking! Too many cookies may result in a stomachache, but there is a more significant danger to keep mind at parties—alcohol. 

Alcohol is often flowing freely at parties and within the reach of even the smallest children. Small children too young to even know how alcohol is different than juice or soda may easily access a mixed drink, or glass of wine or beer. 

Children who do understand the difference may be excited to try something they know they aren't supposed to drink.

This situation is particularly serious for toddlers who, Dr. Erica Michiels, associate medical director for the pediatric emergency department at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, says, can have a blood alcohol level of as little as .05 and have serious problems. Reactions can include seizures, comas and even death. 

All caring adults can keep their eyes out for these signs of alcohol consumption in children:

  • the smell of alcohol on their breath
  • extreme or out-of-character exhaustion
  • exaggerated or uncharacteristic behaviors

If you do encounter a young child who has had alcohol, the first step is to contact poison control. By way of prevention, of course, each of us can help ensure that alcohol is not within reach of children and be more mindful of children underfoot at holiday events.

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