It starts as a joke — “Mummy needs wine!” — but for many parents, that glass at the end of the day becomes more than just a meme. In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Dr Justin Coulson talks with author and “Sober Awkward” podcast host Victoria Vanstone about her journey from party girl to sober mum — and how she broke free from the culture that told her alcohol was the answer. This episode will challenge how you see drinking, motherhood, and what self-care really means.

KEY POINTS:
How alcohol became part of Victoria’s identity — and why it took motherhood to question it
The emotional and social pressures behind “Mummy Wine Time” culture
Why drinking in front of kids sends powerful hidden messages
The quiet shame of “normal” drinking habits — and what to do if you’re starting to question yours
The rise of “sober curious” parenting and what it looks like in real life

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“It’s not really about alcohol. It’s about who you were before it — and who comes after it.” — Victoria Vanstone

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
A Thousand Wasted Sundays by Victoria Vanstone
Mumming by Victoria Vanstone
Podcast: Sober Awkward

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Reflect on the messages your kids receive when they see you drinking or joking about it.
If you’re curious about cutting back, start with a “sober curious” mindset — it’s about questioning, not quitting.
Talk to your partner or a trusted friend about how alcohol fits (or doesn’t fit) in your family life.
Explore support options — books, podcasts, therapy, or sober communities — if alcohol feels like it’s taking more than it gives.

It starts as a joke &mdash; &ldquo;Mummy needs wine!&rdquo; &mdash; but for many parents, that glass at the end of the day becomes more than just a meme. In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Dr Justin Coulson talks with author and &ldquo;Sober Awkward&rdquo; podcast host Victoria Vanstone about her journey from party girl to sober mum &mdash; and how she broke free from the culture that told her alcohol was the answer. This episode will challenge how you see drinking, motherhood, and what self-care really means.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">How alcohol became part of Victoria&rsquo;s identity &mdash; and why it took motherhood to question it</li>
<li aria-level="1">The emotional and social pressures behind &ldquo;Mummy Wine Time&rdquo; culture</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why drinking in front of kids sends powerful hidden messages</li>
<li aria-level="1">The quiet shame of &ldquo;normal&rdquo; drinking habits &mdash; and what to do if you&rsquo;re starting to question yours</li>
<li aria-level="1">The rise of &ldquo;sober curious&rdquo; parenting and what it looks like in real life</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not really about alcohol. It&rsquo;s about who you were before it &mdash; and who comes after it.&rdquo; &mdash; Victoria Vanstone
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/a-thousand-wasted-sundays-by-victoria-vanstone/9780645757941">A Thousand Wasted Sundays</a> by Victoria Vanstone</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/mumming-by-victoria-vanstone/9780648618980">Mumming</a> by Victoria Vanstone</li>
<li aria-level="1">Podcast: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2kRXbxafPDXajwE84o6rlL?si=Yg7wD7BkSv-4RwWXIZ_ZbA&amp;nd=1&amp;dlsi=037b6cfabefb4413">Sober Awkward</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Reflect on the messages your kids receive when they see you drinking or joking about it.</li>
<li aria-level="1">If you&rsquo;re curious about cutting back, start with a &ldquo;sober curious&rdquo; mindset &mdash; it&rsquo;s about questioning, not quitting.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Talk to your partner or a trusted friend about how alcohol fits (or doesn&rsquo;t fit) in your family life.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Explore support options &mdash; books, podcasts, therapy, or sober communities &mdash; if alcohol feels like it&rsquo;s taking more than it gives.</li>
</ul>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

When “Mummy Wine Time” Stops Being Funny [with Victoria Vanstone]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/7b8859c5-208b-44e1-9e63-b372009d9fca/transcript