When you’re a parent to young children, everyday items often land in the most unexpected places. Milk might be tucked away in a cupboard, only to be discovered in a lumpy mess days later. Tin foil could surprise you in the fridge, hidden behind a bag of grapes. It’s not unusual to find your morning coffee, cold and neglected, glaring at you from the microwave just as you’re about to prepare dinner. You might sip it anyway.
In addition to misplaced items, things can also go missing entirely. Keys slip out of sight, important documents become buried under a mountain of paperwork, and suddenly, you have an abundance of pencils and paperclips—until you actually need them. There are even times when kids go missing, prompting a frantic neighborhood search for the lost cat.
When I first became a mother, my own mother advised me to find a quiet spot whenever I needed a break. She would lie down in the sliver of sunlight between her bedroom window and bed, a place where we would never think to look for her. This small escape provided her with solace, allowing her to breathe and regain her composure while still hearing our playful antics in the background. It was in this intentional act of “hiding” that she found her peace.
But sometimes, as mothers, we lose ourselves unintentionally. What happens when we become overwhelmed by the constant call of “Mom”? What about the moments we lose our passion for reading because we’re too busy engrossed in children’s stories? Or how do we maintain our friendships while teaching our kids the value of friendship?
For all these reasons, I wholeheartedly support the idea of a weekend getaway with girlfriends. A few hours away can be refreshing, but a few days allow for deeper reconnection and rejuvenation. Some women might feel guilty about leaving their children for an entire weekend, as if they’re indulging in an extravagant treat rather than simply taking care of themselves.
I was apprehensive before my first weekend away, expecting to return to a chaotic home filled with wrappers and toys, my children tangled and filthy. Instead, I discovered a tidy house, happy kids, and a husband who had impressively refreshed the wood beams in our home. Part of me wished he had struggled; then he’d understand the challenges of full-time parenting. He admitted it wasn’t easy, but he had managed it well.
While he was showing off, I was on a two-hour flight from Orange County, California, to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, enjoying three nights with my friends. With the right crew, you won’t have to worry about feeding or dressing anyone. You can savor your hot coffee uninterrupted, lounge by the pool with a drink, and enjoy moments without the constant demands of motherhood.
You’ll reacquaint yourself with your real name, as the hotel staff will use it when you check in. You can relax on the beach, knowing that the sand will stay there and not infiltrate your car or home. You’ll ride a banana boat and laugh uncontrollably when the driver playfully throws you off.
Dinner will be a leisurely two-hour affair without fretting over vegetable quotas, and you won’t lift a finger for cleanup. You’ll indulge in sleep without interruptions—no small hands knocking on your door or little bodies creeping into your bed. You’ll hear secrets about friends and share meaningful moments, listening with focus. You’ll read freely, drifting into your own world for a change.
You’ll return home with small treasures from your trip—coconut soaps, candies, and bracelets. Your children will light up with joy at the gifts from a “far-off” destination. They’ll be elated to see you, and you will feel renewed.
Back home, you’ll find your identity as both Mom and yourself. You’ll check in on a friend, invite another over for a game, and make time to finish that book you started. You’ll bring joy back into your life, singing and laughing, and your children will notice the spark in your eyes. They will see you reading and want to join you, rediscovering the joy of shared moments.
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In summary, taking time for yourself is essential as a mother. A weekend getaway with friends can help you rediscover your identity, strengthen your friendships, and return home refreshed and revitalized, ready to embrace motherhood with renewed energy.