First of all… deep breaths. I know the exact expression most parents have when they hear about this crazy tradition going around universities.

I recently told my parents about this wild new event celebrated far and wide through all newly legal collegiate students. I am going to assume most of the parents reading this had the same response as them. A big open mouth and "hell no!". Us young adults just love to throw new traditions at older generations. Although this one can be a little nerve-wracking, I want to assure, at least my friend's parents, that they will be "A-OK" at the end of the night.

Second, if it helps, the 21 shots are usually taken starting the morning of the birthday celebration. Food is heavily consumed before the party starts that evening as well. If your kid is one of the smarter ones, they'll divide up shots based on food consumption and evenly space them as well. For instance, my friends choose to have around 15-17 of their shots done before they head to the bars that night.

When out and about, the night turns more into focusing on fun and being legal instead of shot-after-shot. With water pages and dares included in the fun and crafted books, the night becomes more focused on the adventures rather than the level of intoxication reached.

Now I am not saying this tradition is a healthy one, nor heavily encouraging all newly legal students to attempt, however, if one is smart and chooses the types of shots wisely, it would be equivalent to what some boys consume in a typical outing with their friends on a Friday night.

For those close to me that worry if I would attempt this on my twenty-fun birthday night… Water will be involved and it will be spread over 21 hours. And I have very supportive friends (and family) that will probably cut me off before 21 shots… for my mom's sanity.

Best of luck to those still trying to comprehend this concept and well Good Luck to those who celebrate!!