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Originally Posted by spaypets
Shai--at what age do you think I should have my daughter have sweet wine on Shabbat?
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When my son was younger he got a drop of Kiddush wine on a fingertip. Now he is allowed a small sip from the cup. He likes the ritual and is very serious about his "part".
He understands very well that this is a special event and he's not allowed to "sample" any other alcoholic beverages.
Of course there are some people who will disagree with me, but, I believe that a common sense approach is the best way. A tiny sip of Kiddush wine is not harmful and I can teach my son that wine is not something that needs to be guzzled. By the way, at the Seder he's getting sweet grape JUICE.
I remember that during one discussion session at my temple in the US the subject of alcoholism came up. The Rabbi pointed out that in general there is a lower percentage of alcoholism in Jews. In his opinion part of the reason for this is that in Judaism wine (alcohol) isn't demonized and classified as something evil to be avoided at all cost. On the contrary, it is part of our religious life. If children are familiar with wine, the lure of the forbidden isn't as strong. That was his theory. Maybe it holds water, maybe it doesn't.
Again, Hag Pesach Sameach v'kasher