By Jamie Taylor
Updated: Dec. 8, 2020
Originally Published: November 28, 2016
When I first met my husband back in college, we practically lived in local pubs, indulging in the true college pastime: beer drinking. We weren’t picky; on any given night, we’d be sipping the cheapest beer on tap, ideally served in a pitcher. We played beer pong, funneled, and chugged like there was no tomorrow. (Sorry, Mom, but it’s the truth.) Beer was our constant companion, whether we were unwinding after a long day of classes or just hanging out with friends. I must admit, that cheap beer was definitely a catalyst for some of my most memorable bar-top dance moves. (Sorry, kids, but yes, your mom has danced on a bar, and she rocked it.)
As I matured, I felt the pressure to elevate my drink choices. Grown-ups, I thought, drink wine, scotch, and craft cocktails—at least that’s what the glamorous scenes in Mad Men suggested. I found myself at work events during the Sex and the City era, dutifully sipping cosmos like everyone else. While it felt nice to play the sophisticated adult, I would have been just as satisfied with a cold beer in hand.
Don’t get me wrong; I do enjoy a lovely glass of wine after a long day. But there’s nothing quite like cracking open a cold one after tackling yard work or finishing an exhausting run. My husband and I have even developed a shared interest in exploring craft breweries and discovering local brews. Just this summer, we spent a rainy afternoon at Allagash Brewing Company in Portland, Maine, instead of lounging on the beach.
In our experience, beer enthusiasts are refreshingly down-to-earth and fun. We’ve had some of our best conversations with brewery staff who are not only friendly but also eager to share their knowledge about different brews and ingredients. Visiting breweries or local brewpubs feels relaxed and inviting.
Beer lovers are just an all-around fun bunch, if I do say so myself.
I’m game to try just about any beer, but just like with wine, there’s a perfect beer for every parenting scenario.
Hefeweizen
These light, slightly cloudy beers practically scream “summer!” with their hints of citrus floating in the foam. Pair one with a cold glass, and you’re in for a fantastic summer evening—no matter how much the kids are splashing around with the garden hose.
Lagers
When the kids have been out of control all day, it’s a lager to the rescue. Or let’s be honest: three lagers to the rescue. Buuuurp.
Light Beers
These are reserved for those nights when your pants feel just a tad snug, but the dog had an accident, and you discovered your 9-year-old has a project due tomorrow. This way, you can enjoy two for (almost) the price of one.
Lambics
When you want to feel fancy AF while wearing a breast-milk-stained T-shirt and your hair in a messy bun, reach for a Lambic. Trust me.
IPAs
Some folks say IPA stands for “India Pale Ale,” but most tired parents know it actually means “I Parented Alright” today. Sipping an IPA at the end of the day feels like a well-deserved toast to our parenting skills. Cheers! We’re nailing this gig!
Chocolate Stouts
Chocolate beers exist solely for one reason: to cure PMS. You can thank me later.
Guinness
It’s the one beer everyone seems to drink on that one special day each year when everyone wears green.
Fruity Beers
If you want to enjoy a drink without worrying about sharing with your husband, snag a peach or raspberry beer to keep him quiet. Plus, fruit beers help you “strive for five”—you know what I mean.
Pumpkin Beers
Pumpkin beer is essential from October through Halloween madness. PSLs during the day, Pumpkin Ale at night.
Ales
Sipping an ale allows you to close your eyes and imagine you’re in a cozy British pub, far away from your screaming toddler and the 96 cupcakes you need to bake for the PTA bake sale. Ales help you find those “Calgon, take me away” moments.
Parenting is challenging enough without the added pressure of wine or fancy cocktails. I can barely sort my never-ending sock pile, let alone figure out which wine pairs with what glass. Beer is a straightforward, uncomplicated way to unwind, and it goes perfectly with my kids’ leftover chicken nuggets.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, my husband just called to say he’s running late, and my kids are bickering—time to declare it “beer thirty” around here!
For more insightful content, check out our post on home insemination kits, a topic that’s equally important. Also, for those considering family planning, Cryobaby’s home intravaginal insemination syringe kit is a fantastic resource. And for excellent information on pregnancy and fertility, visit Johns Hopkins Fertility Center.
In summary, whether you’re a wine aficionado or a die-hard beer fan, there’s no right or wrong way to unwind after a long day of parenting. Enjoy what you love and embrace the joy of simplicity.