One of a parent’s greatest tasks is teaching a child to take responsibility for his or her own actions, even when the consequences aren’t fun.

Some teenagers — as well as some parents — around one of Shelby County’s most well-to-do areas recently got a crash course in personal responsibility when the Hoover Police Department arrested Wanda Defane Toolabi, a Greystone resident, for hosting a party with underage drinking.

Police found 44 minors at Toolabi’s house, more than half of which were drinking beer. Hard liquor was also found at the party.

It’s easy to think since an adult is supervising, nothing bad can happen. Sadly, that’s not the case. It’s impossible for any one adult to be able to adequately watch over 44 minors, especially when the minors are intoxicated.

Any parent who knowingly allows their children to go to a party where underage drinking is allowed is just as responsible as the adult hosting the party.

It’s a smart decision for the Hoover Police Department to put out as much information as possible, such as what high schools the minors attend, as a way to let people know underage drinking happens everywhere.

If such information makes parents and community members ashamed of themselves, that’s a good thing. Maybe it’ll shame them into being more responsible.