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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to think mumnset won't be happy to hear middle class parents drink too much?

264 replies

Toothiepeg · 08/10/2012 13:45

I don't drink at all. I agree with the findings of www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-19870190 this study. I'm guessing though that many mumsnetters will dislike hearing the truth?

As a nation we drink too much - it's as simple and horrible as that.

OP posts:
Woozley · 08/10/2012 14:34

^I just dont think alcoholism and the effect it has on families and children is a joking matter woozley, no matter how lame this particular bit of research is

And this thread...is kinda proving OPs point..that alcohol misuse amongst the middle classes is not taken seriously^

People aren't joking about alcoholism, they are joking about a crap report. Misinformation is an even bigger blight on society than alcoholism IMO. In fact it probably causes alcoholism as it contributes to people being fearful, negative and stressed.

wannabedomesticgoddess · 08/10/2012 14:35

I have a relative who now drinks wine at midday "to get a buzz" because vodka no longer has an effect. Hmm

If anyone should suggest this isnt normal or she may have a problem they are "boring."

Drinking heavily and/or more often is becoming normalised. But its got nothing to do with class.

Ciske · 08/10/2012 14:36

This is poor research because it makes links that are not supported by the figures.

They say 7% of parents drink daily, while about a third drink a few times a week. 82% drunk at least once in the previous year, but not regularly. It also says most parents reduce their alcohol intake post kids.

That tells me that the vast majority of drinking parents do so moderately.

It then goes on to say that 'worryingly' 62% of parents don't feel their drinking affects the children. But if most parents drink less than a few a week, that sounds about right to me. What they failed to do, is show how many of the parents that drink excessively, feel this doesn't affect the children. And even then, drinking daily does not equal being an alcoholic. Of the people they surveyed, how many get drunk in front of the kids, or while they are the sole parent in the house? These are the stats they should have researched. What they've got now says nothing.

They then roll out a whole bunch of stats and case studies to show that alcoholism isn't good for children, which nobody would dispute, not even on MC Mumsnet. But these stats prove nothing about how many parents are drinking so much that it has a bad effect, and I really don't see the class link proven very convincingly either.

ithinkimightbegoingmad · 08/10/2012 14:37

misinformation doesnt cause alcoholism woozley

you can hardly be sanctimonious, if you are going to come out with opinions like that Hmm

catgirl1976 · 08/10/2012 14:38

smuggery does though

Raspberryandorangesorbet · 08/10/2012 14:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

HotSlate · 08/10/2012 14:44

That article is a load of old hogwash, and I think it's actually quite offensive to effectively lump together 'abusive alcoholic parents' with 'parents who drink wine with dinner'.

Having had one of each as my parents, IMO there is no comparison.

squoosh · 08/10/2012 14:45

Dramatic news just in from Toothiepeg. Lots of people in the UK drink too much!

I would counter argue that are plenty of smug bores who are desperately in need of a drink.

expatinscotland · 08/10/2012 14:48

My goat drinks too much. He needs help.

'I lived in the US for 7 yrs, I was very shocked to see the amount many people here go through.'

I'm always shocked when I go back, at how much food many people go through over there.

People here may drink more on the whole, but man, a lot of them are neck and neck in the race to premature death with us via their food consumption.

Something's going to kill us all.

earlyriser · 08/10/2012 14:49

Re the wine doesn't count. Is this like people who think vodka and whisky are hard liquor, yet count a G&T as a refreshing drink?

Toothiepeg · 08/10/2012 14:51

Yes you've got me bang to rights -
I am smug about this issue. I don't drink. There are many ways I will doubtless screw up my children but I won't be doing it through excess drinking. I embrace being smug about this - I am.
I am also very middle class.

I didn't start this thread to goad but because I read the article and knew that a lot of people on here would hate to hear it. Maybe that is goading now? Hmm

OP posts:
Raspberryandorangesorbet · 08/10/2012 14:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

expatinscotland · 08/10/2012 14:52

'I am smug about this issue. I don't drink. There are many ways I will doubtless screw up my children but I won't be doing it through excess drinking. I embrace being smug about this - I am.
I am also very middle class.'

I'd clap for you but I can't clap and cover my mouth to yawn at the same time.

squoosh · 08/10/2012 14:52

Why the need to reiterate te fact you don't drink? Are you looking for praise?

squoosh · 08/10/2012 14:53

I think what people take exception to is your santimonious tone to be honest.

RichManPoorManBeggarmanThief · 08/10/2012 14:54

Toothie. Here's some advice. If you're going to be smug, do it silently. Otherwise you'll end up with no mates. It's like people with perfect kids. No-one likes them.

wordfactory · 08/10/2012 14:54

Oh Lord, more midddle class hand wringing.

Let's be very clear, middle class DC in the UK are some of the most absurdly priviledged DC in the world.

And yet, each week, a new 'report' comes out to tell them how very very worried they should be about somehting.

catgirl1976 · 08/10/2012 14:54

I'd clap for you but I can't clap and cover my mouth to yawn at the same time.

Grin

I'd give you a "well done" badge too, but I'm all out :(

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 08/10/2012 14:55

Why are you smug about not drinking? Do you think this makes you more worthy in some way?

I don't drink neither does DH. Is someone doing to pat me on the back for this? Maybe MN should send me a badge or summat? Confused

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 08/10/2012 14:56

catgirl

Sad but I wanted a badge too......

squoosh · 08/10/2012 14:57

Why would anyone be smug about not drinking? Genuinely baffled.

Do you equate someone who likes to drink with having a drink problem? Bit of a leap.

catgirl1976 · 08/10/2012 14:57

Here you go :)

Feminine · 08/10/2012 14:57

expat its not a tit for tat argument.

Plenty of Americans's don't eat too much.

I know plenty of people here don't drink too much, but...many do.

Its more shocking when you have lived abroad, lived without it, and then come home to see it dominating many people's lives.

My sister came home yesterday morning, she suspects her drink may have been spiked as she has no idea how she woke up in the village she did.
Leaving her car unattended 15 miles away.

We were all quite concerned. I was most concerned with my stepmother's reaction to it apparently "well she must have had her drink spiked, as normally she can handle her booze" Confused she is 19.

This is not uncommon.

ZombTEE · 08/10/2012 14:58

So you think not drinking makes you superior to those of us who drink.

Interesting.

Good thing I know I'm superior to a smug prig.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 08/10/2012 14:59

catgirl

Thanks I'm happy now Smile