Confessions of a Mom Who Drinks: The Truth Behind That Daily Glass

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At 3 PM, after a whirlwind of keeping the peace and tackling endless piles of laundry, the familiar urge starts to creep in. As the sun sets and casts its golden rays through my kitchen, I feel a restlessness stirring within me.

“Not yet,” I remind myself. “It’s too early. You should wait.”

I distract myself with the daily grind of stay-at-home parenting, knowing all too well the routine I’ve performed countless times. The clock ticks on, each second bringing me closer to my self-imposed acceptable drinking hour. The kids are buzzing around, bombarding me with questions about dinner as the TV blares today’s headlines. The kitchen is a chaotic mix of backpacks, crumpled homework, and the makings of a family meal.

Once again, the laundry sits unfolded. My mind is weighed down by the demands of freelancing while being the “at-home” parent. I empty the dishwasher for the second time today, gazing out the window and feeling like I’m sinking in an ocean of disarray that I can’t tame. This life hasn’t belonged to me for a long time, and I’m exhausted from being everything to everyone.

I’m tired.

Motherhood is tough.

Wine makes it a bit easier.

The wine bottle stands ready on my counter, like a loyal companion. Half full from last night’s indulgence, it beckons me to come and pour myself a little comfort. As I reach for my favorite glass, I can already envision the rich, sweet wine and inhale the deep, earthy aromas that will soon envelop me.

I feel the coolness of the bottle in my hands, the satisfying pop of the cork as I pour my much-needed dose of sanity. The noise of the house fades slightly as I focus on the dark liquid swirling in my glass, filling it as if replenishing my very soul. When the wine touches my lips, I feel my shoulders drop, and I take a long, satisfying sip. Happy hour has officially commenced.

And this has become my routine.

I’ve grown to look forward to that daily glass of wine, which sometimes makes me uneasy. I chuckle at the jokes my friends make about needing to down a whole bottle after a chaotic day with kids. I share memes on social media that poke fun at mothers surviving with a drink in hand. At gatherings, I scan the room, wondering if other moms are feeling the same way I do.

Do they worry about their relationship with alcohol? Do they think they might have a problem?

As a nurse, I’ve cared for alcoholics and know the signs—the slurred speech, the always-tipsy friend at social events. I’ve held the hands of patients with yellowed skin and swollen bellies, drifting in and out of consciousness while their families wished they’d done more to help.

But that’s not me.

I savor the good stuff. Out of crystal. Like a refined grown-up.

Still, I find myself pouring a glass more often than not. Sometimes, it’s more than one. I drink to calm my social anxiety at events. I indulge on girls’ nights. I toast to the weekend when my husband comes home on a glorious Friday evening while the kids frolic in the yard. And yes, sometimes I drink simply because it’s Tuesday.

My children have witnessed me a bit tipsy on occasion, and the weight of shame lingers as I nurse a hangover the next day. I explain to them that adults make mistakes and that Mommy may have overdone it. I assure them it won’t happen again, all while sipping seltzer and praying I won’t be sick. I vow to stick to my daily glass of wine.

Because mothering is tough. And wine helps.

I often chat with friends about their drinking habits, trying to gauge whether I’m “normal.” As I fib about how many glasses I consume weekly, I suspect they’re not being entirely honest either. We commiserate about the stresses of motherhood, how it’s demanding and exhausting. We sigh about not having the time we need to unwind, and alcohol provides a brief escape from the daily chaos our lives have become. We clink our glasses filled with rosé, comfortable in the belief that we don’t have a problem.

We are just moms who drink.

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Summary:

Motherhood can be overwhelming, and many moms find solace in a daily glass of wine as a way to unwind. This anonymous confession explores the fine line between enjoying a drink and potential dependency, highlighting the shared experiences among mothers. While the daily struggles of parenting can be exhausting, the occasional indulgence may offer the relief needed to navigate the chaos of family life.