My husband had similar talks with our boys. More about using their heads and not getting caught up in the pressures of peers. Luckily, both boys are quite intelligent. They'll never be math wizards, but have plenty of common sense.
We weren't given much direction as kids. We grew up around it and when we were deemed old enough (not by the law, mind you) we were allowed to partake as well. My brother quit last year a few months before Mama passed.
And a Happy St. Patricks day to you and all! Our bars/restaurants are closed, as well. Butte's monster parade has also been cancelled. I'm sure there will still be plenty getting lit on the sidewalks