Having children is a life-changer. It’s magical, but you also have to deal with less of everything: sleep, energy, and free time. That’s why a lot of homebrewers give it up when they become parents. A temporary break makes sense when you’re integrating a newborn into your life, but many people never get back into it, which is a shame. While parenting is demanding, don’t forget that a creative hobby can help you recharge. Some ex-brewers also cite safety concerns, which is a reasonable point—pots of boiling liquid, fire, and glass can be very dangerous. But that’s true of cooking in general. In the same way you adapt to having a toddler around in the kitchen, you can create a safety zone around your brewing.
Why bother? Well, aside from having the tasty end result in your fridge, keeping up with homebrewing can make you a better parent. It lets you model the DIY spirit for your children, along with fostering respect for creative expression. It can also give you the chance to demonstrate responsible drinking, where the focus is on quality and flavor, and not just on getting buzzed. Like any other hobby, it represents a healthy work/life balance.
It’s even better when you make it an activity for the entire family. Having the kids around and getting your spouse involved is a great bonding experience. The extra help can make the brew day go easier, but it’s also more fun. Finally, it’s important to remember that beer is not gendered; it’s just as valuable for daughters to watch and learn as it is for sons.