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A stressed mother sitting on a kitchen counter with a wine glass
Drinking Habits

The Rise of Wine Moms: Why Mommy Wine Culture Is a Toxic Trend

Published:
June 28, 2023
·
11 min read
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Written by
Reframe Content Team
A team of researchers and psychologists who specialize in behavioral health and neuroscience. This group collaborates to produce insightful and evidence-based content.
June 28, 2023
·
11 min read
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Certified recovery coach specialized in helping everyone redefine their relationship with alcohol. His approach in coaching focuses on habit formation and addressing the stress in our lives.
June 28, 2023
·
11 min read
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Recognized by Fortune and Fast Company as a top innovator shaping the future of health and known for his pivotal role in helping individuals change their relationship with alcohol.
June 28, 2023
·
11 min read
Reframe App LogoReframe App Logo
Reframe Content Team
June 28, 2023
·
11 min read

To (some) of the moms out there, you know the drill. The clock strikes 6 p.m., the children are finally quiet, dinner is pretty much ready, and it’s your favorite time: Wine O'Clock! There's nothing quite like the first sip of that crisp, ruby-hued liquid, a moment of calm amid the beautiful chaos we call parenting. But what if we told you that science suggests trading in those Merlot moments for something less intoxicating? Let’s explore “mommy wine culture” and some of the practices that might serve us better.

What Is Mommy Wine Culture?

A stressed mother sitting on a kitchen counter with a wine glass

First things first — what exactly is “wine mommy culture” and what is a “wine mom”? With many of us having embraced the identity of the "wine mom,” it’s more than just a social media hashtag — it’s become a cultural phenomenon. Stemming from a mix of pop culture, marketing strategies, and social media influence, “wine mom” has become an identity for many moms across the world.

Mommy wine culture has been nurtured by a flurry of humorous memes, Instagram posts, and tongue-in-cheek products bearing catchy slogans like "Mommy's Sippy Cup" or "It's Wine O'Clock." Etsy alone has over 67,000 “wine mom” products for sale!

This playful portrayal of moms resorting to wine to cope with the stress and chaos of parenting resonates with many women, making them feel seen, heard, and understood. For many, it’s an amusing and seemingly harmless way to express solidarity and camaraderie in the often overwhelming journey of motherhood.

At its core, "wine mom" culture tells us it's okay — and even expected — to rely on a glass (or bottle) of wine to handle the challenges of parenting. After all, a little buzz can make the mundane more bearable and the tough times less tense. It also offers a veneer of relaxation and sophistication, glamorizing the consumption of wine as a deserved reward after a hard day of wrangling kids. Parenting is hard, and after a few sips — thanks to that hit of dopamine and calming balm of GABA — we feel fuzzy, warm, and happy.

Problems With Mommy Wine Culture

Embracing the “Wonder Mom” Approach

So how can we redirect our wine cravings into something more beneficial? We can fill our evenings with mindful, nourishing activities that feed our soul and create memorable moments.

  • Be Aware. Acknowledge the role of wine in your daily routine. Recognize the physical and emotional impacts.
  • Make a Plan. Establish a new routine. Initially, it might feel strange, but keep going. Our brains are incredibly adaptable and will eventually form new habits.
  • Trade in Your Wine Glass. It’s no secret that parenting is stressful. But instead of reaching for the wine, what if you reach for a paintbrush, dip into a novel, or spend a quiet moment on the porch, watching the sunset? Engaging in mindful activities can decrease cortisol levels — the primary stress hormone — and increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters associated with happiness. Finding new activities that you enjoy can also boost your cognitive health by challenging the brain in new ways. Plus, this way everyone wins! Just imagine your kiddo's pleasure when they join you in painting, reading, or star-gazing. That’s a Hallmark-worthy moment right there!
  • The Power of Connection. Changes are easier with support. Find a friend who’s willing to join you on this journey to make it easier to avoid the pressure to drink. Share your experiences, successes, and challenges. Never underestimate the power of a good chat. Connecting with loved ones, sans alcohol, can provide a powerful mood boost. A rich body of research suggests social interaction can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and increase feelings of well-being. And hey, bonus points if it involves laughter — the best natural medicine of all!
  • Celebrate. Celebrate your progress, even the smallest victories. Remember, change is a process, not an overnight event.

Set Your Sights on Something New

Picture a new scenario that’s every bit as exciting and meaningful, just without the hangover. Maybe you’re roller skating in the park, stopping for some refreshing lemonade. Or maybe you snuggle under a blanket in front of the TV, sipping on cocoa while watching sitcom reruns. Either way, there’s so much to enjoy about being a parent — and the best gift of all, our kids will enjoy it so much more without alcohol getting in the way.

Ready To Say Goodbye to Toxic Mommy Culture and Break Up With Booze?

The Reframe app has got your back! We know it's not an easy journey, but Reframe is here to guide you as you navigate the world of less alcohol in your life. Sure, we're not a magic potion for alcohol use disorder (AUD), but we are a pretty handy buddy to help you reevaluate your relationship with alcohol in a brain-friendly way.

Lots of people just like you found our approach handy in trimming their alcohol consumption. We think you can do it, too! Reframe's mission is to help you cope and thrive with less alcohol in your life. We bring you daily nuggets of wisdom backed by science, a peek into the brain science of alcohol, and a Toolkit within the app loaded with resources and activities to conquer every challenge along the way.

Plus, you can join our global community of Reframers in our round-the-clock Forum chat, where you can get advice from folks all over the world who are walking the same path. Need some personalized guidance? Our certified coaches are here for a chat, as well!

And hey, we don't stop there. We keep adding cool stuff to our app to make your journey even smoother. Our latest helper is Melody, an in-app chatbot powered by the strongest AI technology around. She's here to help you glide through the transition towards less or no alcohol. There's always something new: we cook up engaging monthly challenges like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You can jump in with the rest of the Reframers or go it alone — you're the boss!

Fancy giving the Reframe app a whirl? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today! 

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