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Cool Parents
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Posted by baketown Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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Things just got a little tougher for teens hoping to get their drink on in Kern County.  The “Cool Parents” ordinance was passed yesterday making it possible to punish adults who allow kids to party at their house.  According to the paper, the ordinance “imposes a $1,000 fine as well as other civil penalties.” 

I see a few problems with this.  One – it doesn’t do anything to stop the kids from partying else where.  I mean, where there’s a will there’s way, and back in my day we were very willing.  How else can you explain huddling a dark, cold, remote dirt field to “party?”  Two – what about parents who want to keep their kids safe by providing a place where they can supervise them and make sure no body drives?  

I’m not saying parents SHOULD do that, but it does seem like they should have the right to.  Personally, I don’t think allowing your kids to party at your house is a good idea.  I don’t think the behavior should be condoned.  But I do think that parents have a right to raise their kids as they see fit.  For some, providing a safe environment is the way to go.

And three – I consider myself a “cool parent” so I’m a little put off by the name.

 

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Comment From: twinkie

The problem with those other type of cool parents is that while my kids might be put off by the thought of finding somewhere unsafe to "party" they might be more willing to break MY no drinking policy if they have a safe place to do it. So now, as a grown up who is NOT related to my child... what gives those cool parents the right to help MY child break MY no drinking rule.. just so that THEIR child can party safe? Having said that, those cool parents won't really be affected by this law because quite frankly, who's going to rat them out? The kids? I don't think so, then they won't have anywhere to drink. Comment From: glenda

I don't think it is meant to get kids to rat out their parents friends. I think it is meant as deterant for the parents to not host the parties in the first. And then, if a child gets injured or killed, they can go after the parents. Comment From: Chase

If it's a full blown party, then somebody is likely to end up drinking and driving. However, if it's the "safe environment" idea, then if you buy your kids the drinkies, they will understand that they should keep it in moderation and not get out of control with noise and such so that the cops do have to come by. Think party vs. kickback I guess. All this means is that the RESPONSIBLE cool parents are going to have to be more toned down when allowing this to happen.