Rarely does an opportunity to celebrate, relax, or reward ourselves go by without having a couple of drinks. While it might not be an issue when done in moderation, parents in particular should be cautious when consuming alcohol, as being intoxicated around children can put them at risk of danger.
This story could’ve ended in tragedy if not for the mom who noticed her drunk husband holding their baby in time. Concerned about her safety, she kicked her spouse out of the nursery. Later, she started worrying that she might’ve been too harsh, so she turned online for unbiased people’s opinions.
Parents should be cautious when drinking alcohol, as an intoxicated state can endanger kids
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Unfortunately, these parents weren't cautious enough, which could've ended badly
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Even a few drinks can make it more difficult to provide completely safe care for kids
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While most new parents don’t consume alcohol in a way that puts their children at risk, even a few drinks can make it more difficult to provide completely safe care for kids. Alcohol can impair judgment and reaction time, both of which are crucial when caring for a baby or a young child and evaluating their needs. Liquor can also make adults feel more tired, making it harder to respond to a baby. An intoxicated state may also lead to risky decisions that parents normally wouldn’t make.
So it’s always recommended that at least one sober adult be present who can look after any children. Having a sober presence can keep a baby safe, especially in the event that something unexpected happens. Of course, ensuring there’s a clear-headed person present requires planning ahead of time. One of the parents might decide to skip drinking or ask a loved one or a babysitter to help with childcare.
While planning the caregiving situation, parents should also make sure that the baby has a safe space to sleep. It’s advised to never co-sleep when under the influence, which means having the baby in bed on an armchair or a sofa with you, as the risk of accidental suffocation becomes very high.
The safest place to sleep for a baby is in their own separate, clear, firm, and flat sleep space, like a cot or Moses basket. The cot or Moses basket should be in the same room as the adult caring for the child. In general, it’s recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their parent or carer for the first six months.
“Not drinking alcohol could be a good option for your family, especially during the first few months of your baby’s life,” concluded The Lullaby Trust.
In some cases drinking can have a lasting effect on children
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As children get older, being around adults who drink, in some cases, can have a lasting influence on children. Parents are role models to their children, who are constantly watching them, so consuming alcohol even in moderation can send them the message that alcohol is safe for them too. Children can even experience anxiety and trauma if they see parents drinking higher quantities and becoming unpredictable.
To avoid these negative effects, open communication with children is key, says Dr. Kelli Komro, a professor and social and behavioral epidemiologist at Emory University.
“It’s important for parents to have good, open communication,” she said. “Talk about what’s going on and the age of appropriateness of alcohol use and why the drinking age set at 21 is to protect young people’s developing brain.”
Besides communicating with children about the consequences of alcohol consumption and establishing clear boundaries around it, the most important thing parents can do is model good behavior.
“Parents have to remember whatever they do is what their children will mimic,” said George F. Koob, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “If they start drinking and misusing alcohol, getting tipsy in front of the kids, that sets up a pattern that they’re going to emulate.”
All adults are advised to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week—something that every responsible grown-up should be aware of. “If you’re worried about your drinking or thinking about cutting down, your health visitor, family nurse or GP can support you,” concluded the Lullaby Trust.
The mom provided more information in the comments
The majority sympathized with the mom, saying she did what she had to do to protect her baby
While some thought she was at fault in this situation
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Later, the mom shared an update
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