I can hardly recall the last time my husband and I enjoyed a seamless conversation. With our children aged 4 and 6, it’s probably been since 2011! My 6-year-old has picked up some conversation etiquette, patiently waiting for a pause before chipping in. But my 4-year-old? That’s a different story. Despite my constant reminders, he has a knack for derailing any discussion with a relentless barrage of “Mom, mom, mom!” If you haven’t found yourself exclaiming, “OHMYGAWD WHAT?!” then I’m guessing you’re not navigating the chaos of small children.
Having kids around makes meaningful dialogue almost impossible. They either interrupt every few moments or silently record everything we say, only to use it later for some public embarrassment. Yay, kids! insert sarcasm
It’s not just the conversations with my husband that I miss; I long for the carefree activities we enjoyed before parenthood. We never set out to neglect our relationship, but kids have a way of consuming our lives, and before we know it, years have flown by. We often forget to nurture our bond, too caught up in parenting duties.
Let me clarify—I absolutely adore my children; they are my world. But sometimes, I cherish the idea of loving them from a distance, specifically at Grandma’s house while my husband and I reclaim our couplehood. What could be more rejuvenating than jetting off to an exotic locale, indulging in local delicacies and immersing ourselves in a new culture? Unfortunately, I lack the vacation days and budget for that kind of getaway.
What I can afford, however, is a few nights at a hotel in a nearby town and a basket of warm breadsticks from Olive Garden! Allow me to introduce you to the low-cost escape you didn’t know you needed. Here’s the plan: first, send the kids off to Grandma’s. Next, choose a nearby destination that offers exciting activities. Whether it’s an hour away or just across town, find a place that resonates with you and book a hotel room.
This hotel room is crucial. You need to physically leave your home to create that vacation vibe—staying at home just feels like a regular day off. You want to avoid the temptation of tackling laundry or chores. So toss responsibility out the window for a few days (you’ll pick it back up later, I promise).
Whether you have 24 hours or a long weekend, dedicate this time to doing the things you love with your partner. Bring a good book and relax by the pool, catch that movie you’ve been meaning to see (preferably not animated), dine at a fancy restaurant, or just enjoy each other’s company. Pretend for a little while that you don’t have kids. It’s a brief escape, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Vacations are fantastic because there’s no cooking, no cleaning, and you can simply unwind. They offer a break from the daily grind, but travel with kids can complicate matters. By simply excluding them from the equation, you can experience all the joys of a getaway without the stress. Grab your partner and go, or if you’re like me and prefer solitude, maybe enjoy a solo staycation!
The next time Grandma offers to take the kids for a bit, seize the opportunity. Book that hotel room, pack a bag, and indulge in some well-deserved relaxation.
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In summary, a staycation without the kids can be an incredible way to reconnect with your partner. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or far away; just a simple change of scenery can rekindle your relationship and offer a refreshing break from parenting duties.