I don't do the pretend drinking thing. I either say I don't feel well, (have a headache) and add that alcohol makes it worse, or I have a lemon, lime and bitters (light on the bitters). Ginger beer is the best drink though, especially if you feel morning sick, and it looks alcoholic. Honestly, do people really care??? No one has ever asked me why I'm not drinking... maybe I just mix with oblivious people

Needing to be sober to care for other children is a very good idea Jodie! Although childless people don't often "get" that you need to not be in a deep sleep/hungover when a child wakes up crying in the night or is sick.