Okay parents repeat after me, ALCOHOL AND PLAYDATES DO NOT MIX . But apparently a group of women in Philadelphia disagree with me. In a case of “now I’ve heard everything”, I was shocked to read in the Chicago Times a story about a group of eight mothers who formed a group five years ago that meet weekly, mostly on Fridays. While their kids are playing they sit back and drink! They discuss their problems, eat pizza or hot dogs, dance with their kids and drink.
Welcome to the world of Happy-hour playdates. The article went on to talk about how some moms are sipping cocktails during the afternoons and taking along wine and wine coolers to the parks or when they are visiting their friends. All the time their kids are playing nearby. Hey, I’m not a prude, I like wine as much as the next guy and during the hot summer months, yes, I like to drink beer. But I make a habit of not drinking while I’m caring for Tyler and I certainly would never drink and drive— even if I was alone, let alone while my child was in the car with me.
The women claim they are not out to “get drunk” and insist they are not drinking out of need. Hum… Instead they are taking a break from the “conventions of mommyhood”. They see it as a way to get back part of their lives they had before they became mothers and to deal with the stressful world of parenting. Hello , that’s why you plan time out with your girlfriends and do it when your kids are being taken care of by your spouse, a relative or a babysitter. Not during lunch while your kid is running around at the park. And what message are you sending to your kids about drinking?
Advocates defend their choice, some writing books and even blogging about it. I’m sorry I think it’s just plain irresponsible for anyone, mommy or otherwise, to drink when they are caring for their kids especially if they are driving.
Has anyone heard about these groups? What’s your take on this issue?
See also:
April is Alcohol Awareness Month