Entering the new year, the discussion of Dry January - the month-long declaration to be sober is more prevalent. According to Time Magazine, the idea for Dry January came from Emily Robinson, a young woman who gave up drinking for a month in January 2011 to better prepare for her first half marathon. Now, annually, the trend of #DryJanuary is a challenge to enter into the new year with less alcohol. Over a decade later, we’ve also seen the trend change, with experts coining the term "Damp January."
With this concept, you cut back on alcohol consumption vs. going cold turkey, as making the choice to drink less instead of eliminating drinking altogether can help you develop healthier, sustainable habits. No matter what you decide, you’ll need some options as you enter your mocktail era, and I’ve got you covered with the following alcohol-free drink recipes and non-alcoholic brands.
ALLAY Functional Non-Alcoholic Sauvignon Blanc
ALLAY
Nothing relaxes me more than sitting at my window after a long day with a glass of white wine. If you’re cutting back on alcohol, consider ALLAY. Their Sauvignon Blanc comes from Washington and is made with organic grapes. They’ve removed the alcohol, leaving less than 0.5% ABV, and added organic functional ingredients such as ashwagandha and reishi, as well as other organic, all-natural ingredients for optimal taste and mouthfeel.
Non-Alcoholic Espresso Martini
Ivan Kryvoshei /Getty Images
This might be hard to believe, but I’m not a fan of espresso martinis. Am I a coffee lover? Absolutely, but the drink just doesn’t tickle my fancy. Nonetheless, I am a woman who thinks of others. This non-alcoholic version of the trendy drink will allow you the same sultry satisfaction with just three ingredients - thank me later.
YOURS Non-Alcoholic Wine Award-Winning California Red Blend
YOURS
YOURS Non-Alcoholic California Red Blend prides itself on being about more than just the flavor. They’re dedicated to providing the experience of relaxation and release that wine can bring without the guilt and alcohol consumption. Truthfully, they had me at award-winning, grab a bottle, and enjoy a cozy night in.
Jalisco 55 Distilled Non-Alcoholic Tequila
Spiritless
This one’s for the tequila lovers. Jalisco 55 is a distilled non-alcoholic spirit crafted for your favorite tequila cocktails. Jalisco 55 is made using a proprietary reverse distillation process and delivers a premium-quality reposado tequila experience. Give the brand a shot and take some non-alcoholic shots at the next kickback.
TÖST
TÖST Beverages
TÖST combo packs include half TÖST and half TÖST Rosé flavors infused with white cranberry, white tea, and ginger. These all-natural, sparkling, alcohol-free beverages create meaningful and refreshing drinking experiences perfect for every occasion so that everyone can celebrate their moments positively and inclusively.
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The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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