Thursday, November 09, 2006

What's a Mom-tini?

I recently read an article on suburban moms who get together for playdates. Not such a big deal for a few women and their children meeting at someone's home for recreation and socialization. The twist on this article was that it's a Happy Hour playdate. The kids play in a backyard, a safe environment, while the moms shake a few cocktails. Maybe a bottle of wine to take the edge off?

Hey, I've got nothing against Happy Hour and I have heard more than one Stay-at-Home mom complain about the lack of adult conversation. But is it safe to drink while parenting? I'm not a parent, so maybe I don't get it.

I read the article on the NYTimes website.Click Here

6 comments:

Allen Gladfelter said...

I don't think it's any different than Dad having a couple of beers while watching the game on a Sunday afternoon.

Sara Kocher said...

Thank you, Allen! And thanks for the article, Don. Wish I lived near a group of moms like that. The have-a-cocktail ones, not the alcoholics, that is.

I think it's fine to drink while parenting, so long as you do it responsibly, like any kind of drinking. Since I'm kind of a lightweight, I just have about half a drink over a long stretch of time...enough to enjoy but not so much I can't be a good parent. And I'd never drink-and-parent if I might need to drive, or if we're near a pool or pond, that kind of thing.

If I had a nanny I knew and trusted (and we did) and she had a couple sips of a cocktail at a social gathering while on the job, I don't think I'd worry about it. If she had a whole drink or if she drank every time, I would have a problem, though, so I hold myself to that same standard re: drinking around the Bunster. On the other hand, I'd never drink while caring for someone else's child (and neither does our former nanny).

Hmmm...this is more complicated than I thought. I could really go for a mom-tini right now...

Steve Buccellato said...

I think it's okay, but only if you share with the kids.

Don Hudson said...

I'm comfortable with having booze in the house and also with the adults drinking in front of Junior. As long as the parent does not lose his or her composure. Every occasion is a chance to teach the children. Teach them to drink responsibly.

Steve Buccellato said...

Amen, Don! Also, one should teach kids to avoid those cheap "well drinks" and learn to enjoy the good stuff.

Kevie Metal said...

Hey Don! Thanks for the link. I join you in condemning this behavior. But I know one NYC mom who is going to think this is a great idea no matter what the hell I think. Let us now shake our heads and make clucking noises. The children. WHO WILL THINK OF THE CHILDREN???