Mother's Little Helper
It's the debate that just won't stop! First there was the New York Times article. Then there was the Today show segment. And now, a whole new round of buzziness.
The core of the controversy? Mothers who indulge in a cocktail or two while their children have playdates. Or that's how this whole thing started, anyway. Now it's become a kind of convoluted mess where every mom in the world is feeling defensive for some reason or another.
What are iVillagers saying?
One mom writes: "Personally - well, I'm not much of a drinker period so I wouldn't do it anyhow. I hope that no one is drinking and driving - that would be unconscionable! But even if everyone can walk, I still don't get it - why mix drinking with kids? Why not have a girls night out when the moms can drink and leave the kids at home?"
Here's another: "I don't think anyone who is looking after children should be drunk...Most people are also HORRIBLE judges of HOW intoxicated they are."
And: "I'm all for the playdates but not sure that consuming alcohol in the middle of the day is really appropriate. I guess it all is dependant on what time they are being held, how many drinks ect.. but not sure it's a good idea."
"Just another example of the type of scrutiny were are under because we hold the title of 'mother.'...Isn't this all exhausting??? I'm so sick, sick, sick of this!!! This nut-case is going to get a glass of Cabernet right now!!!"
That one makes me chuckle.
Why has this become such a raging debate, do you think?
Edited to add: Just came across this interesting rundown of mom-centric message boards. Where do the iVillage message boards fall into the spectrum, do you think? Brutal as Urban Baby? Welcoming as Mommy Talk? Hmm.
0 TrackBacks
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Mother's Little Helper.
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://beehive.ivillage.com/system/mt-tb.cgi/915
I wouldn't want someone who was watching my kids to drink, and I don't drink when I'm responsible for my children. In the event some emergency arises, I want to be 100% clear and capable of handling the situation correctly ASAP, and even 1 drink can cloud one's judgment depending on the size of the drink, the alcohol content of the drink, and the individual's ability to metabolize alcohol.
I don't see anything wrong with a glass of wine. Many parents have one with dinner... or in the evening when things are winding down. I do agree that it really depends on the time of day... 11am on a Monday... if you need a glass of wine already... its going to be a long week! lol
Good god, why are people still talking about this? I say do it responsibly or don't, but either way, mind your own business and stop judging other people! There are more important matters plaguing society! Sheesh.
I don't think it's approriate at all. If I am hanging out with my friends later in the evening they may have one wine cooler and their husbands usualy drive home but I see no reason that anyone should be drinking during the day at a play date. Like one of the other women said you need to be 100% if something was to happen and I would never drink not even one drink if I will be driving with my kids in the car. Drinking a glass of wine at dinner with your husband is very different then drinking one with your friends when some of you have to drive home and with your children in the car too.
I don't do it personally. I don't have a problem with it if done responsibly (only a little, and never if driving).
Now here's an example of taking it WAAAAY too far...my idiot neighbors got a keg for their DD's 4th birthday party...sheesh!