It’s Friday night, and let’s be real: the week has taken its toll on me. I could take a relaxing bath or stroll outside with my kids, but if I’m honest, what I really crave is a drink—yes, the kind that requires you to be 21 to purchase.
I appreciate a good cocktail or glass of wine, not necessarily for the flavor, but for that delightful, relaxed buzz it provides. It’s like my stress begins to dissipate, transforming my usually high-strung self into a more laid-back version.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying I drink every evening or even every week. Alcohol isn’t my crutch; that would be chocolate. However, with the focus on mothers and their drinking habits becoming increasingly intense, indulging in a drink feels uncomfortable, and even shameful if it’s more than just one.
I completely understand the importance of addressing the “mommy wine culture,” which has unfortunately made excessive drinking seem acceptable. The normalization of this behavior allows some mothers to overlook their drinking problems—if everyone’s doing it, it must be fine, right? Thankfully, as more mothers share their struggles with alcohol, a necessary conversation has begun, and while this is beneficial for those facing addiction, it leaves the rest of us feeling judged for simply enjoying a drink.
When I see a social media post that includes alcohol, I brace myself for the inevitable scrutiny. It seems that any beverage I enjoy is treated with skepticism, as if I’m automatically categorized as irresponsible or incapable of being a good mom. My husband, on the other hand, can share a picture of him with a beer and no one questions his parenting. It’s frustrating that mothers are often perceived through such a critical lens while fathers get a free pass.
In our society, it feels like you’re either a sober mom or a potential alcoholic. There’s rarely any middle ground. Regardless of how drinking affects us personally, it reflects a broader issue: parenting is tough, and the pressure to achieve perfection is relentless. We often turn to alcohol to cope with unrealistic expectations—from keeping children alive to excelling at everything else.
Instead of focusing on whether a mom is drinking too much, perhaps we should address the pressures that lead to these habits. Let’s uplift those who share their authentic parenting experiences—the ones who don’t just post perfectly staged photos of sleeping babies in immaculate nurseries.
We could all benefit from kindness towards one another, acknowledging that everyone is dealing with their battles, whether they involve alcohol or not. Supporting the mom next door or the one in the preschool playgroup can make a significant difference, even if it’s just offering to watch the kids for a bit or sharing a cup of coffee.
If parenting didn’t come with such overwhelming pressure, maybe we wouldn’t feel the need to escape it with a drink. And if we could ease that pressure, enjoying a glass of wine wouldn’t come with so much guilt—regardless of how many we choose to indulge in.
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Summary
In the end, being a mom who enjoys a drink shouldn’t come with shame. The pressures of parenting are immense, and sometimes a little indulgence is just what we need to unwind. Let’s be kinder to ourselves and each other, recognizing that every mom has her own struggles and victories.
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