When I first met my partner, Jake, during our college years, we spent countless evenings at local pubs, fully embracing the unofficial pastime of college life: beer drinking. We weren’t picky about our choices; on any given night, we’d opt for the most affordable brew, ideally served from a pitcher.
We engaged in beer pong, funneling, and chugging contests. (Sorry, Mom, but that’s the truth.) Beer was a staple in our social gatherings and a comforting companion during our study sessions. I’ll admit, cheap beer fueled some of my most memorable bar-top dancing escapades. (Sorry, kids—your mom has some fun stories from those days.)
As I matured, I felt compelled to elevate my drink selections. Adults were expected to enjoy wine, scotch, and upscale spirits—at least that’s the impression I got from shows like Mad Men. I found myself at work events during the Sex and the City era, sipping cosmos while attempting to channel my inner Carrie Bradshaw. Yet, I would have been just as satisfied with a longneck bottle in hand, even while trying to impress my boss.
Don’t get me wrong; I do savor a good glass of wine after a long day. However, there’s nothing quite like cracking open a cold one after a day spent gardening or following a tough run. As we’ve grown older, Jake and I have developed a shared passion for exploring craft breweries, where we enjoy tasting local brews and learning about the brewing process. Just last summer, we had a delightful visit to Allagash Brewing Company in Portland, Maine, on a drizzly day that kept us from the beach.
From my experience, beer enthusiasts tend to be a welcoming, laid-back group. Jake and I have had some of our most engaging conversations with brewery staff, who are often eager to share their knowledge about different brews and their ingredients. Visiting a brewery or local taproom feels relaxed and inviting.
I believe beer drinkers are inherently fun-loving. Personally, I’m open to trying various types of beer, and just as there are perfect wine pairings, there’s a suitable beer for every parenting scenario.
Beer Pairings for Parenting Scenarios
- Hefeweizen: These light, slightly cloudy brews are perfect for summer, especially with a slice of citrus. Pair it with a hot evening and the kids splashing around, and you’ll have a fantastic night.
- Lagers: When the kids have been particularly challenging, it’s time for a lager—or maybe three. Buuuurp.
- Light Beers: These are ideal for those evenings when your pants feel snug, and you discover your dog made a mess, while your child has a project due tomorrow. This way, you can enjoy two for the price of one!
- Lambics: For those moments when you want to feel a bit fancy, but you’re still in your breast-milk-stained shirt, a Lambic is the way to go. Trust me.
- IPAs: While many refer to IPA as “India Pale Ale,” we parents know it really stands for “I Parented Alright” today. Drinking an IPA at the end of the day is a toast to surviving parenthood!
- Chocolate Stouts: These delightful brews exist solely to remedy PMS. You’re welcome.
- Guinness: The annual favorite that everyone enjoys while sporting green attire on St. Patrick’s Day.
- Fruity Beers: If you want to enjoy a drink without having to share, grab a peach or raspberry beer. They also help you meet your “strive for five” goals.
- Pumpkin Beers: These are essential for the month of October, perfect for navigating the chaos of Halloween costumes and sugar highs. PSLs by day, Pumpkin Ale by night.
- Ales: Sipping an ale transports you to a cozy British pub, far removed from the chaos of parenthood. They offer the perfect escape for those “Calgon, take me away” moments.
Parenting is challenging enough without the added pressure of choosing the right wine or cocktail. I can barely manage matching my socks, let alone figuring out what type of wine goes in which glass. Beer is a straightforward, easy way to unwind at the end of the day, and it pairs just fine with the remnants of my kids’ chicken fingers.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, Jake just called to say he’s running late, and the kids are bickering—looks like it’s officially “beer thirty” in our house.
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In summary, it’s clear that not all moms are wine drinkers; many enjoy the simplicity and camaraderie of beer. It offers a way to unwind, celebrate, and even escape into a different world for a moment.