Hey y’all — Eric here from A Tiger Cub. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about something kind of taboo in a lot of Asian households: alcohol. Specifically, how we talk (or don’t talk) to teens about it.

Now, I’m not a parent yet — I’m 21, still figuring out my own life, and very much on the “still learning” train. But as someone who’s lived through the college scene, seen the good and bad of drinking culture, and heard way too many “first drink gone wrong” stories… I’ve got thoughts.

So this post isn’t from some expert. It’s just me, your friendly neighborhood Asian American student, sharing what I wish more parents talked about — and what might help bridge the gap before your kid finds themselves at a frat party with no clue what to do.

College = Alcohol. Let’s Not Pretend Otherwise.

Let’s just be real. College and alcohol go hand-in-hand way more often than we’d like to admit. You can cross your fingers and hope your kid won’t drink until they’re 21, but the truth is, a lot of students are introduced to alcohol in their freshman year — some even earlier.

And I’m not saying that’s a good thing, but pretending it won’t happen doesn’t prepare them for when it does.

The Most Dangerous Thing? Not Talking About It.

When you grow up in a home where alcohol is just “off-limits” and never explained, that mystery turns into curiosity. And curiosity in a party setting, surrounded by new friends and zero guidance? That’s where stuff gets messy.

I’ve seen friends black out their first time drinking. Not because they were reckless — but because they had no clue how alcohol would affect them. No one ever told them what a “shot” actually meant. No one told them how fast things hit on an empty stomach. No one talked to them about limits.

And by then, it’s too late to figure it out safely.

The Case for a Chill, Controlled Introduction

Here’s a thought: what if teens had their first experience with alcohol at home? I’m not talking about turning your kitchen into a bar. I’m talking about demystifying alcohol in a calm, supportive space.

Some parents already do this — maybe it’s a half-glass of wine with dinner, or talking openly about how drinking makes you feel. And no, it’s not “encouraging underage drinking.” In fact, drinking with a parent at home is legal in most states even if you are under the age of 21. What it really encourages is responsible thinking — the kind that sticks when it matters most.

Think of it like teaching someone to swim. Would you rather throw them in the deep end at a college pool party… or teach them the strokes at home, where they’re safe?

What It Looked Like for Me

When I turned 18, my parents didn’t exactly say, “Let’s drink together!” But they did sit me down and talk about it honestly. What to expect. What to avoid. How to pace myself. How to keep an eye on my friends. It wasn’t awkward — it was real.

And when I did eventually drink for the first time, I remembered that conversation. I knew how to take care of myself. I knew how to say no. And I knew that I could always call home if things went sideways — no shame, no lectures.

That kind of trust? It matters more than you think.

Some Tips If You’re a Parent Reading This

• Start the convo before college. Waiting until they’ve already moved out is too late.
  
  
• Be honest, not preachy. Share your experiences, your fears, your hopes.
  
  
• Help them plan ahead. Teach them what a standard drink is, how to recognize when someone’s had too much, and what to do in an emergency.
  
  
• Make it clear they can call you. No matter what. No guilt trips.
  
  

And to My Fellow College Students or Older Siblings…

We have a role too. If you’ve been through this already, don’t gatekeep. Talk to your younger siblings or cousins. Be the person you wish you had when you were 16 and clueless.

Trust me — it’s not “lame” to care. It’s actually kinda cool.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, this isn’t really about alcohol. It’s about trust, safety, and setting your kid up to make good decisions. Because whether they choose to drink or not, they’re going to face those choices — and they deserve to be ready.

If this made you think, I’d love to hear your perspective — whether you’re a parent, a student, or someone in between. Drop a comment, shoot me a message, or share this with someone who needs it.

We’re all just trying to figure it out — together.