When a parent heads out for a weekend getaway, it can be a real challenge for the one left behind—especially if that parent is typically the primary caregiver. Recently, Jenna Carter was preparing for a girls’ weekend and decided to leave her husband some “helpful reminders” that have since gone viral.
“I’m sending you this out of love, not dread,” she begins her note. “As you prepare to spend the weekend solo with the kids, I want to outline some essential survival tips. Just remember, the hours from morning to night can feel like an endless cycle of chaos that even the most patient saint would find daunting.”
Essential Survival Tips
Jenna’s list includes a slew of real-life scenarios that only a parent who spends all day catering to children could truly understand. “Expect Quinn to be upset that Lily is wearing her favorite dress, while Lily will retaliate by calling Quinn by the wrong name. Also, be prepared for Penny to resist sleep like it’s a life-or-death situation,” she instructs about her daughters.
“Mealtime is going to be a circus. Lily will demand pizza, while Harper will insist on hotdogs. Quinn will have a meltdown at the mere mention of hotdogs and will only agree to mac and cheese—but not the orange or white kinds. And of course, you’ll forget that Harper is even in the house because she’ll be off playing with her friend. Dinner will likely end with everyone having cereal while Lily inevitably comes in for a band-aid.”
While it may seem like a daunting task for her husband, Jenna’s hilarious notes resonate with parents everywhere, making them feel a little less alone in their own chaotic households. As bedtime approaches—the moment that brings dread to every parent—Jenna offers a comforting message: “Good luck, my friend!”
Pajamas? Forget Them!
“Pajamas? Forget them! Only let Penny wear a nightgown. If you can’t find one, keep searching. She’ll ask for her Minnie Mouse nightgown, but once she wears it, she’ll scream like it’s the end of the world. Your best bet? The Elsa nightgown, no matter how dirty it might be.”
At this point, many parents reading this might find themselves wishing they had a coffee mug that says “Forget Pajamas.” Jenna’s husband is likely contemplating a hiding spot to cope with the weekend ahead.
The note continues, detailing what it takes to keep kids calm, the morning breakfast struggle, and inevitably, the realization that it’s all a rinse-and-repeat cycle.
“Oh, and just a heads-up if you think you might get anything done this weekend—good luck! Quinn is going to wail every five minutes, and Penny will act like her world is ending every few seconds. She’ll need constant attention, leading to frequent potty breaks. Sometimes she can manage on her own, but other times, she’ll whine about her underwear feeling ‘weird.’ Make sure you have backup pairs. And since you insisted on minimizing the sippy cups, you’ll likely end up searching for the two we have left—she’ll probably lose one. Good luck finding them!”
If Jenna’s notes are truly as detailed as they seem, her husband is in for a whirlwind of a weekend. Jenna knows she’s earned this getaway, and she signs off with a playful, “Kisses, The Wife.”
Further Reading
For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource from Mount Sinai. You can also learn more about self-insemination at Make a Mom, which is an authority on this topic. And if you’re interested, visit our other blog post for more tips on navigating this journey.
In summary, Jenna’s humorous yet relatable guide showcases the challenges of parenting and the chaos that ensues when one parent takes a break. Her witty remarks and candid observations remind us that while parenting can be overwhelming, there’s always room for laughter.