I've already fed my infant daughter a pint of Guinness and a shot of vodka. It's good for her.

I will never, ever let my daughter near alcohol. It's bad for her.

In a great explore-both-sides post that is already generating debate, Paula Light's Ultrablog offers a conundrum: How do you mix alcohol and kids? (In a big glass?)

Side one, in short: "Parents who drink alcohol should model responsible drinking behavior in front of their children. It's good for kids to see adults have a drink or two, in moderation, and even be offered a sip on a special occasion."

Flip side, in short: "Parents must keep alcohol away from kids. They are not mini-adults, and it affects them differently."

In truth, I have no idea what I'll do when my daughter grows up and asks why mommy and daddy are passed out behind the wheel. of a school bus. carrying nuns. and orphans. But with a long history of alcoholism in my family, I'm pretty sure she'll have to wait a long, long time before her first drink. Besides, the idea that special occasions need to be commemorated with alcohol has always struck me as problematic. Then again, Thursday is pretty neat.

The alcohol and kids debate has popped up a lot recently. And it should be noted that one state has weighed in -- when it comes to driving at least. A new California law took effect Monday, making it a criminal offense for anyone under 21 to have a blood alcohol level of 0.01 while driving. So much for the "It's Nyquil, I swear," defense. Sorry, kids! 

For a good debate on the subject, check out Ultrablog and weigh in.