Ah, the bliss of a weekend away! This past weekend, I finally took a break from the everyday hustle and bustle of parenting. My dear friend Sarah is tying the knot soon, and as one of her bridesmaids, I was thrilled to join in on the bachelorette festivities. We stayed at a charming, fully-equipped house where our agenda revolved around wine tasting, dancing, and, yes, more wine tasting. It was truly a weekend crafted from dreams.
During our laughter-filled moments, a few friends asked if I felt any guilt about leaving my kids behind for the weekend. The short answer? Absolutely not.
The longer answer? This was my first overnight escape since my little one was born. Not that I didn’t want to leave him—believe me, I was ready for a break—but he’s been my little shadow, attached to me in every sense. He nursed for nearly a year and would cry at the door when I stepped out for a quick errand (which often involved picking up some wine). At 16 months old, plus the time he spent in my womb, I hadn’t had more than a couple of hours to myself in over two years.
Yes, you read that right. Two. Long. Years.
And let me tell you, this weekend was nothing short of rejuvenating. For the first time in ages, I sipped hot coffee, laughed until I cried, and connected with friends who knew me before motherhood. I enjoyed the luxury of getting ready without the chaos of kids piling into the bathroom while I tried to style my hair. I dressed up for a dinner that didn’t involve cutting chicken nuggets or worrying about toddler tantrums. I danced to songs that weren’t on a toddler playlist and even remembered the lyrics to my favorite 90s hits.
I had uninterrupted conversations with adults without constant interruptions or threats of time-outs looming in the air. I breathed, I sat in silence, and I actually thought. When it was time to head home, I couldn’t wait to see my kids and my incredible partner, who handled everything at home so I could enjoy my getaway. For the first time in a while, I missed them.
Listen up, fellow moms: There’s no trophy for being the most exhausted, stressed, or busy. Take that vacation. Embrace the girls’ weekend. If the chance arises for a quick escape—whether it’s for a few hours or a couple of days—don’t hesitate. Release the mommy guilt that tries to creep in as you drive away. Your kids will be just fine, and everyone will benefit from your time away.
And if your kids are anything like mine, they’ll run to you with hugs and tales of their adventures as soon as you walk through the door. Before you know it, they’ll be back to their usual antics, reminding you why it’s important to start planning your next getaway.
For more on navigating motherhood and self-care, check out this insightful post on Cervical Insemination. And if you’re considering at-home options, Make a Mom offers quality insemination syringe kits. Additionally, News Medical is a fantastic resource for all things related to pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Taking a weekend away from parenting is not only refreshing, but it’s also essential for every mom’s well-being. Embrace the opportunity to recharge without guilt. Your kids will be waiting for you with open arms, and you’ll return more connected and ready to tackle the chaos of family life.