Menu: Parenting
How to Plan a Mom’s Night Out in Just 36 Steps
By Dr. Anna Carter
Updated: Jan. 14, 2023
Originally Published: May 1, 2023
“Ladies, it’s time for a well-deserved night out! Who’s in?”
This was the message I received recently. With a group of 12 other mothers, all either new or experienced in motherhood, I found myself questioning how we could actually pull it off. But we are adept at juggling multiple responsibilities! We can certainly make this work. To my surprise, organizing a girls’ night out turned out to be far simpler than I anticipated—much easier than childbirth. If our partners can enjoy their evenings out, why shouldn’t we? Below is a step-by-step guide to ensure your next mom’s night out is a breeze.
- Initiate a conversation with your friends about planning a night out at least a month in advance. Discuss potential times; for instance, Mom 1 suggests 7:30 p.m. due to toddler dinners. However, Mom 2 argues for 5 p.m. because of early bedtimes. Ultimately, 5 p.m. is chosen.
- Select a trendy, slightly exotic restaurant that does not offer a children’s menu. The restaurant opens at 5:30 p.m., so that becomes the final time.
- Scout your closet for a stylish outfit that doesn’t require a nursing bra and actually fits. If nothing works, opt for a cute, flowy top and fitting pants—no yoga pants allowed.
- Send a reminder email two days prior to confirm attendance. Mom 3 still hasn’t secured babysitting.
- Forget to avoid scheduling errands for the day of your night out.
- Ensure your baby begins teething the night before, resulting in sleeplessness. The dark circles under your eyes will add to your dramatic makeup.
- Drag yourself from bed after only three hours of sleep, realizing it’s still dark outside. Why is your baby awake at 4:30 a.m.?
- Spend two hours trying to soothe the baby back to sleep, only to watch your partner and other children rise cheerfully.
- Make coffee only to forget about it moments later.
- Feed the younger children breakfast and pack lunch for the teenager.
- Rush the kids out the door.
- First errand: grocery shopping. This is the ideal time to come up with a special dinner recipe to show your family love despite your absence.
- Second errand: a doctor’s appointment. This was not the best idea since wait times are awful when you’re in a hurry.
- Return home to nap and feed the baby, losing another 45 minutes of your day.
- Dash around the house picking up toys and cleaning dishes. Retrieve the baby, who is once again awake from a very short nap.
- Try to console the now-crying baby. Teething is such a joy, isn’t it?
- Forget cooking dinner; it’s pizza night!
- Realize it’s already 4:30 p.m. Wash your breast pump supplies and go pick up the toddler from preschool.
- Back home at 4:45 p.m. You’re supposed to leave in 15 minutes and still haven’t showered or pumped. A shower is non-negotiable.
- Jump into the shower, ignoring the kids’ screams, trusting your partner to manage them for now.
- Get dressed in your stylish outfit while forgetting to pump breast milk first.
- Pump breast milk in your fashionable outfit. This is not as easy as it seems.
- With pizza ordered, you’re dressed, and you’ll apply makeup in the car. Hit the road, even though your girls’ night has started 15 minutes ago and it takes 25 minutes to arrive.
- Enjoy the drive, stress-free because you’re away from home. Apply mascara at red lights, giving a thumbs up to onlookers who stare.
- Arrive last but smiling. The dim restaurant lighting means no one will notice your outfit or makeup.
- Engage in conversation over a glass of wine for an hour. Don’t forget to order dinner; choose a variety of appealing dishes.
- An hour passes, and no food. Mom 3 is anxious about bedtime. Moms 4 and 5 have a show to catch. Check in with the waiter.
- Food finally arrives! Eat quickly; it’s getting late.
- Request the bill. It’s already 8:30 p.m.! Mom 6 is exhausted and heads home. Moms 3, 4, and 5 also leave, taking their meals to go.
- You and Mom 2 exchange glances, silently contemplating if it’s time to call it a night. Relieved, you both nod, grab your coats, and leave.
- Drive home quickly, anxious about what might have gone wrong while you were out. No updates! What if something happened?
- Arrive home to find the teenager watching TV, your partner snoring, and the kids fast asleep.
- Snuggle each child and give them a kiss, then gently roll your partner over to stop the snoring. They missed you; you missed them too.
- Spend 20 minutes removing your makeup.
- Change into pajamas that have baby vomit stains.
- Collapse into bed.
As you can see, organizing a girls’ night out as a mother is as simple as 1, 2, 3… or 36, really. It’s undoubtedly less complicated than giving birth and absolutely worth the effort just to escape the house alone for a while.
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Summary
Planning a mom’s night out requires coordination and effort, but it can be accomplished with some organization and support from friends. By scheduling ahead, selecting a restaurant, and managing family responsibilities, mothers can enjoy a relaxing evening away from home.