Firstly, the definition of “responsible drinking” may vary depending on the individual. Some parents might think drinking to intoxication - on special occasions such as birthdays or Christmas- is acceptable, comical even. But when children are involved there is more at stake than waking up the next day with a headache or making a fool out of oneself.
Sound a bit harsh? I mean, most adults can recall a time or times when as children themselves mum or dad (or both) may have got a little too merry, yet all ended well. But, is that the point? Do two wrongs make a right? Would anyone knowingly put a child in danger? The answers to such questions are generally - no, no and no. Yet when it comes to alcohol, for whatever reason, even the most conscientious parents seem to bend the rules a little.
Alcohol is a socially acceptable drug and when consumed in careful moderation it is generally safe, yet there are many grey areas.
In recent times, drinking during pregnancy has been a subject that has caused angst. The current medical advice now is, to mitigate any potential risk to an unborn child, avoid it altogether.
Drinking while driving is another one. The legal limits of blood alcohol in Australia are well publicised but many people are unclear about what, in a practical sense, this means to them. For example, a small female is likely to be able to drink much less than what a big, burly bloke – not forgetting that how much, or how little, food is consumed on any given day may affect not only the results of an alcohol breath test, but your judgment regarding your ability to drive safely home.
Personally, it can take as little as a modest glass of wine for me to feel more laid back and relaxed – which is a nice thing after a long day and when the kids are asleep in their beds but when in the primary caregiver role, not so much.
Feeling chilled out is one thing but getting too lax or blasé when in charge of kids can too easily turn into a disaster –yet it’s easily avoided.
Sound a bit dramatic? It’s not really. Especially when considering alcohol is a significant risk factor in cases of domestic violence in this country. The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research found that 41 per cent of all incidents of domestic assault reported to the police between 2001 and 2010 were alcohol related.
Some researchers now also believe that children, who witness such acts of violence – whether they are verbal or physical, may be suffering a form of child abuse.
So although it’s an extreme example there is little doubt that along with the health benefits of giving up alcohol for a week, month - or however long hiatus you may choose this year, there will no doubt be advantages to your children and family life too. A factor worth adding in to the mix…
Tips to family-friendly drinking
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