When I first met my husband back in college, our social life revolved around local bars—a true rite of passage for any student. We weren’t picky about our beer choices; in fact, we often went for the most affordable options, preferably from a pitcher. Our nights were filled with beer pong and chugging contests (sorry, Mom, but it’s the truth). The laughter, the camaraderie, and yes, even the cheap beer were all part of those carefree college days. I’ll admit, it was cheap beer that fueled my legendary bar-top dance moves—sorry not sorry, kids. Your mom had a wild side!
As the years rolled on, I felt a shift towards more sophisticated beverages. After all, adults drink wine, scotch, and trendy cocktails—at least that’s what I gathered from countless episodes of Mad Men. Work functions turned into opportunities to sip cosmos, just like Carrie Bradshaw and her crew. While I enjoyed that touch of elegance, I secretly longed for a cold beer in my hand instead.
Don’t get me wrong; there’s nothing quite like enjoying a glass of wine after a hectic day. Yet, there’s something equally satisfying about cracking open a cold one after a day of yard work or following a tough run. My husband and I have recently taken a liking to craft breweries, exploring local flavors and immersing ourselves in the art of beer-making. Just this past summer, we found ourselves at Allagash Brewing Company in Portland, Maine, enjoying a cozy afternoon away from the beach.
In our experience, beer enthusiasts are refreshingly down-to-earth, making for some of the best conversations with brewery staff. They’re friendly, knowledgeable, and always eager to share insights about different brews. Visiting a local brewpub feels relaxed and inviting.
Speaking of Beer
There’s a perfect brew for every parenting scenario:
- Hefeweizen: The quintessential summer beer, light and often garnished with citrus. Perfect for those chaotic summer evenings when the kids are soaking each other with the garden hose.
- Lagers: For those days when the kids test your patience, reach for a lager—or maybe three. Trust me, it helps.
- Light Beers: Ideal for nights when you want to save some calories but still need a drink after finding out your child has a last-minute project due tomorrow.
- Lambics: When you want to feel classy but are still in your breastmilk-stained T-shirt, a Lambic is your go-to.
- IPAs: Often dubbed “India Pale Ale,” but for us parents, it translates to “I Parented Alright” today. Here’s to celebrating the small victories.
- Chocolate Stouts: Because sometimes, chocolate beer is the answer to all of life’s dilemmas, especially during PMS.
- Guinness: The one beer that everyone seems to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day, when all of us wear green.
- Fruity Beers: If you want to enjoy a drink without sharing, fruity options like peach or raspberry will keep your partner at bay. Plus, they help you hit your “strive for five” fruit servings.
- Pumpkin Beers: A seasonal delight, perfect for October and all the Halloween festivities.
- Ales: A sip of ale can whisk you away to a quaint British pub, far from the chaos of parenting.
Navigating parenthood is already challenging without the pressure of wine pairings or artisanal cocktails. Honestly, I can barely manage my mismatched socks, let alone figure out the appropriate wine glass. Beer is a straightforward and enjoyable way to unwind, plus it pairs perfectly with leftover chicken fingers from dinner.
So, if you’ll excuse me, my husband just notified me he’ll be late, and the kids are already bickering. It seems to be the right moment for “beer thirty” around here.
For more parenting insights, check out this article we’ve written. And if you’re exploring at-home insemination options, Make A Mom offers reliable kits. Also, for comprehensive resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Mount Sinai’s Infertility Resources.
Summary
Not every mom reaches for wine; many enjoy a good beer. From light summer ales to hearty stouts, there’s a brew for every parenting moment. Beer offers a relaxed way to unwind after a long day—no pretenses necessary.
Leave a Reply