5 Tips for Parents During Dry January

So you’ve decided to give Dry January a go. I’m sure this comes with mixed emotions, right? Maybe you're worried about how you’ll relax at the end of a long day with the kids, or how you’ll get through play dates and sporting events. These are all valid concerns! BUT - it’s one month of no alcohol, and during it you’ll learn a thing or two about yourself and change the way you think about drinking going forward.

Coming from someone who has been experiencing the benefits of living alcohol-free for almost four years, it’s a whole different (better) world.

Doing a dry month is a great way to not only feel better but assess your relationship with alcohol. Not everyone has a “problem” with drinking, but many people could use a break, or even try to drink less. It may seem painful at first, but let me assure you, it’s going to be good for your overall health.

Support is key, so here are some tips to help you along the way:

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

Since you’re not drinking, you might be a little extra-irritable. You don’t have your normal coping mechanism to lean on when the kids are bugging you. Don’t sweat the small stuff should be a general life tip, but it’s a great reminder for parents during this month. Your kids aren’t doing things to make you mad. There is usually an underlying reason behind their actions. However, that’s not to say what they do, or the disagreements you have with them won’t make you irritable and on the verge of a colossal meltdown.

You have to put in a little extra work and trust me, extra work now will help you in the future.

When something happens that grinds your gears, stop. That’s it. Pause and think about what you want the outcome of the situation to be. Ask yourself a few questions before acting:

What would happen if I started an argument?

Would it be better to let this one go?

How do I want this to turn out?

And my favorite: Is it worth it?

Live in the Moment

This is such a huge one and it’s HARD. We are so consumed with our phones, laptops or our work we often miss the small important things that are happening around us. We ignore our innate ability to appreciate the mundane moments of everyday life. We are just ‘too busy’.

Some of us are so focused on the drink that’s waiting for us we miss the important things that are happening in our lives. Not everyone is obsessed with drinking…but you may be surprised at how much alcohol shows up in your life, and how much you think about it while you’re abstaining.

Slow down this month. Stop and think about what’s happening around you. Do this at work and home. Take a deep breath. Try to remember the last time you took a deep breath…it’s been a while, right? Stop trying to think about the next thing you have to get done. Don’t think about tomorrow. Your never-ending to-do list can wait. Sometimes all we have is today.

Find New Ways to Relax (there are other ways)

For so many parents, alcohol is the thing we use to unwind, to relax, to cope with the stress that comes with our busy lives. But there are so many other ways!

Move your body. Do yoga, ride a bike, hit the gym or stretch when you wake up and before you go to bed. Get your kids involved. Have a dance party or go for a walk together.

Get back into a hobby you used to enjoy. Read that book that’s collecting dust on your nightstand. Call a friend. Binge a show. Find a new place in town to bring the kids to. Go to a movie. The opportunities are endless! And you may be shocked at how much more time you have to do these things, now that you’re not drinking.

Find a new beverage to replace the booze. Try teas, coffee, or smoothies. Go to the store and check out their NA options. It doesn’t have to be fancy, add some fresh fruit to a glass of water. And remember, your kids can explore most of these options with you!

Hang Out With Your Kids

Sounds simple right? But as mentioned above we all keep ourselves so busy. Our kids are only around for so long before they grow up and move out. We need to keep this in mind and spend quality time with them while they’re with us.

If you’re able, eat dinner together. Choose one (or more) nights of the week that you do an activity like watching a movie or playing a card game. Ask them what they’re up to. Talk to them about your day. Tell them how you got through a stressful time at work. If they’re small, play with them. Put your phone down and play. Kids can be fun! Giving your kids extra attention is going to lead to other positive outcomes.

Pay Attention To How You're Feeling

There are so many physical benefits to removing alcohol from your life. You’re going to be sleeping better, be more energized, and feel better overall. Take note of these feelings. These are the feelings you will want to remember if you decide to go back to drinking.

No hangover? Sign me up! This is one of the best outcomes of doing Dry January. Some people don’t get hangovers, but for those of us who do, this is a huge positive from removing booze.

Parenting is hard. It’s isolating and can feel lonely. Trust me, adding alcohol won’t help. It may feel like it’s easing your stress at first, but what comes after is worse. It’s not worth it.

Convinced yet? If you’re reading this mid-January or after, that’s OK. You can still start now, or do a Sobruary (sober + February, get it?). Doing a dry month isn’t limited to when it sounds cute. You can try out an alcohol-free life whenever you want to. Good luck!

About The Author

Blair is an alcohol-free wife and mom from Minnesota. She works full-time outside of the home, and also does freelance writing. She is a staff writer and contributor for a parenting resource in her city. In her free time she likes to watch reality television, eat cheese, and do other introverted activities. She is a host for 1000 Hours Dry Parents and you can find her creating on Instagram @sobrietyactivist and on her website www.blairsharp.com.