Being a Sober Mom in a Culture of Cocktails

I am no stranger to being different.

Often I am the weird one in a group. My classmates even voted me “Most Unique” my senior year in high school.

And now that I’m a mom, not much has changed. I still march to the beat of my own drum.

But there is one aspect of my life that I didn’t expect to make me such an oddball now that I’m a parent — I don’t drink.

You Don’t Drink?

For being such a simple statement, “I don’t drink,” can be a very complex topic.

It’s not a big deal to me, but it tends to throw others for a loop. And it’s a statement that invites a host of responses.

Some people nod and say nothing more. A handful respond with confused or blank stares, unsure of what to do or say next. Occasionally people apologize for offering, while others push,“Come on, just have one!”

But the most common response is the one that’s simple and innocent, yet for many people, can be the most uncomfortable: the follow up questions. From the obvious, “Why not?” to the more judgmental, “What’s your problem?”

I’m a Sober Mom: No Explanation Necessary

True, there are plenty of explanations why a person may choose not  to drink. But, then again, does it really warrant an explanation?

We’ve come pretty far as a society that we now know better than to press people about when they’re going to have children — or, worse, prod them as to why they don’t yet have children. The reason behind that situation can be simple, or incredibly personal, private, or downright painful.

Not drinking is in the same ballpark.

Non-Alcoholic
Coffee, of course. Water, tons of it! But alcohol? No thanks.

A person’s decision not to drink may be simple, such as they don’t like the taste of alcohol or they don’t do it for religious reasons. It could be that drinking leaves them feeling sluggish or they do not want to be hung over.

Or, a person’s reason for not drinking can go much more into the personal, private, or painful realm. Perhaps someone is only a few weeks along in a pregnancy and isn’t ready to reveal that news. Maybe they grew up with a family member who drank too much. Or, it is possible anyone out there could be a former addict, and you’d never know it.

Normalize Not Drinking

It can be tough to be sober in our modern world’s culture, where drinking is normal and not drinking is abnormal.

Being a non-drinking mom adds another layer to that already complex onion.

We live in a world where alcohol is accepted or, scarier than that, deemed as a necessary way to deal with the stresses of being a mom.

Do a quick Google search for “Mommy Juice” and you’ll find dozens of options for a tumbler or wine glass.

It’s normal to go to a child’s birthday party and see beers served right alongside the juice boxes.

Cheers to No Beers

And I don’t want to judge anyone’s decision to engage in a harmless adult beverage or two. My choice not to drink is in no way meant to imply that should be your choice, too.

Instead, I’d like to encourage everyone to view a sober parent through that same lens as you would a childless woman. Rather than poking, prodding, or pressuring someone who chooses to be alcohol-free, just don’t.

I’d also like to offer a little love to the moms out there who wish to navigate this overwhelming and scary ‘hood known as parenthood in alcohol-free ways:

It’s okay to chug water instead of wine.
It’s okay to unwind with a run instead of rum.
It’s okay to meditate instead of medicate.
It’s okay to be worn out and hit the bed early, instead of worn out and hit the bottle early.

And it’s absolutely delightful to wake up refreshed instead of hung over.

Cheers to making the decisions that are best for you and treating yourself well!
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Lindsay Paulson
You know the moms who bake delicious treats for school, throw Pinterest-worthy birthday parties, and have picture-perfect Christmas cards with the whole family in matching pjs? Lindsay is the exact opposite of that. What she lacks in skill and willingness to do ALL the things, she tries to replace by being present and positive. Her top priority is her family - her husband, Chris, two boys born in 2018 and 2020, and dogs, Burton and Gus. She also prioritizes herself, working as a Communications Manager for a healthcare company and staying well through exercise, gratitude, and mindfulness. Her first love is running and she has run marathons in several cities, including Boston, Chicago (which she ran pregnant with her first son), Duluth, and of course, Fargo. Her writing is often based on personal stories, with a touch of humor, and lots of honesty. She hopes all moms know how strong they are and encourages you to embrace who you are, rather than try to be who you think you should be.

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