New Survey Finds Increased Alcohol Consumption By Aussie Mums Due To Home Schooling!

In the most non surprising news ever a survey has found Aussie mums have been drinking more than usual during coronavirus isolation and the number one reason is home schooling!

If there’s one thing that will lead a mum to drink it’s trying to figure out how to log into a kid’s zoom class while simultaneously working out a long division sum followed by explaining the states of matter (which are solid, liquid and gas for anyone who needs the answer!)

A survey of more than 1000 parents by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation found that one in four who admitted to drinking alcohol more frequently specifically pinpointed the challenges of home schooling as the reason.

Overall, 38 per cent of parents surveyed reported heightened levels of stress and anxiety as the reason for their increased alcohol intake.

If you have kids between the ages of 9-12 years old then chances are you’re doing the most drinking! Almost one in six parents said they were now drinking every day due to the added pressure of having to teach their kids at home.

Alcohol and Drug Foundation CEO Dr Erin Lalor said the findings were worrying as the change in drinking habits could be influencing their children’s attitudes and behaviours.

“It’s really concerning that more than one quarter of Australian parents have increased their alcohol consumption since the reality of COVID-19 hit,” she said. “Parents may have been drinking in isolation, but they haven’t been drinking alone. Since the start of lockdown, some children have seen their parents’ occasional alcoholic drink turn into a daily ritual.”

Research has shown that parent’s behaviours are the number one influence in guiding children’s future behaviour and decisions.

“The good news is, just as adults can easily form and pass on unhealthy behaviours, they can just as easily do the opposite,“ she said.

“As the restrictions of coronavirus begin to ease, parents can quickly re-establish themselves as positive role models.”

And if you really want to continue to be a good role model for your kids,  just use a coffee mug to disguise the wine!

Images: Pixabay