It was not long ago that I was in high school, underage and still attended (or hosted) a great number of parties and other social events. Any party I hosted would never ever serve alcohol because it just wasn't neccessary. It just shows you lack any creativity or originality if you have to resort to drinking in order for folks to have a good time. I did attend other parties with alcohol though I only drank once and I really didn't care for it (I felt guilty afterwards, worried what my mom would think of me if she knew). I think part of what helped was my parents who were always very communicative and trusting of their children.
I think part of where parents go wrong is that they talk down to their kids telling them to do what they say without realizing what hypocrites they are. Many adults drink casually, yet teens are told it's bad for your body, it's wrong, etc… My mother however was very open and for special occasions and Sunday dinner we were always offered a glass of wine as a tradition in our household. Under her private supervision, we were told if we wanted to try harder stuff we had to come to her and ask but we never actually did. The one time I did drink underage I felt bad for having done it behind my mother's back and found besides that one time I never wanted to do it again. Even now as I am allowed to drink, I find I rarely do so. Just as the household tradition, I find drinking to be something best left for very special occasions and in moderation at that.
Also, if you teach your kids to be considerate of others I think they're less likely to drink underage. Teach them about how it will hurt their parents and their friends, because a lot of folks I know are more likely to not do something for shame of others rather than the dangers of one’s self.
--Megan, Virginia Beach