Aussie doctor's warning on mummy 'wine time' trend

Kids form their opinion on alcohol way before they're allowed to drink it. And you could be the reason why. 

Parenting can be a source of great joy. But it can also bring many challenges.

After a long day juggling all the responsibilities that come with raising children, opening a bottle can feel like a just reward. Pouring yourself a glass of wine as you lean in for some much-needed ‘me’ time seems like a great way to unwind.

But before you open that bottle of merlot, here’s something worth thinking about: the way you drink now could be shaping how your kids view alcohol later in life.

A study from La Trobe University found that kids absorb everything, especially when it comes to their parents’ drinking patterns.

Even before the age of eight, children form opinions about alcohol based on what they see at home and in their surroundings.

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Your drinking is doing more damage to your children than you think. Image: Supplied

Why early exposure matters

Most people don’t start drinking until their teens, but the mental associations they make about alcohol are formed much earlier than that.

If kids grow up seeing alcohol as a go-to stress reliever or a must-have at every celebration, they might assume that’s just "what adults do". This observation can lead to riskier drinking habits down the road.

But here’s the good news: you have way more influence than you think you do. By being mindful of your drinking, you can help shape healthier attitudes in your kids, equipping them with the tools to have a more balanced view of alcohol.

How to be a positive role model

Worried about how your drinking affects your family? You’re not alone. Lots of parents in our Hello Sunday Morning community have shared the same concerns, especially when hangovers make weekend parenting feel like an Olympic sport.

Mummy wine time... Image: Supplied

Here are four simple ways to set a better example:

1. Check your own drinking patterns:

• Think about when and why you reach for a drink. Do you have the urge to drink every time you’re stressed, when there’s something to celebrate, or just because the day ends in ‘y’?
• Are you fully present with your kids, or does alcohol sometimes get in the way?
• Are you thinking about who is around you when you have a drink? Exposure matters, so be mindful of little eyes watching you in the evening, and if you do decide to have a glass, maybe save it for after bedtime.
• Model the behaviour you want to see, like not binge drinking, and not engaging in risky behaviours like drink driving

2. Talk openly but keep it age-appropriate:

• Little kids don’t need a lecture, but simple, factual conversations help. They may be curious, so encourage their questions too.
• Try: "Grown-ups sometimes drink, but it’s important to be careful because too much is not good for us."
• As they get older, discuss risks honestly but without scare tactics.

3. Set clear boundaries

• Make rules about alcohol in your home such as no underage drinking, or no parties with alcohol if children are present.
• Stick to boundaries consistently because kids notice when your words and actions don’t match.
• Store alcohol securely and out of sight and reach of children.

4. Show them better ways to unwind

Instead of a glass of wine after a tough day, try:

• A family walk around the block
• Deep breathing exercises (yes, even if your kids giggle at first)
• A fun, alcohol-free ritual, like a weekly movie night, baking with the kids in the kitchen or a games night

Give yourself a break!

Parenting isn’t about being perfect, it’s about doing your best. Some days, that might mean sipping a beer while watching TV. Other days, it might mean choosing a mocktail instead.

What matters is staying aware of how your decisions impact those around you and making small, positive changes where you can. By modelling balance and open communication, you’re giving your kids the tools to make smarter choices later in life.

And that’s something worth celebrating, with or without a drink.

Need Support? If you’re rethinking your drinking, you’re not alone. There are communities out there where parents support each other as they navigate the same challenges. 

Originally published as Aussie doctor's warning on mummy 'wine time' trend