If you are drinking around young children, they will probably be curious about it. Children learn about alcohol and drinking behaviours in the home from a very young age,
so it is important to be aware of the effect drinking can have on the whole family.
If you find yourself uncorking the wine bottle or reaching for the lager every night, try making a concerted effort to drink soft drinks instead two or three nights a week.
Change your evening routine. For example, if you normally drink in front of the TV, turn it off. Listen to music or read a magazine instead.
Keep a note of your intake.
It's easy to drink a lot without noticing, so keep a drinking diary of how much you are actually consuming.
If you usually hit the bottle the minute the kids are in bed try waiting until you eat dinner instead, as the food will help absorb the alcohol. If you simply can't wait, have a few healthy nibbles, like olives, carrot sticks, or oatcakes and hummus with your drink.
If your partner is at home in the evenings, try and do something different together once or twice a week. Do a crossword, or light some candles and try having a proper conversation.
If you are tired and tense in the evenings, step into a relaxing bubble bath or take
an invigorating shower.
If you add three or four gin and tonics to your usual diet, you could put on 4lbs in a month!