Taking a break from my kids makes me a better mom. Yes, it’s true—spending time dancing and laughing with my girlfriends, far from the chaos of parenthood, actually enhances my parenting skills. After returning from a girls’ trip, I find myself far more patient and composed with my little ones than I was before I left. My voice even seems to transform; I speak slowly, in a soothing tone, like a calm Mary Poppins ready to tackle any unreasonable requests with grace.
Typically, when my children present me with outlandish demands, I find myself detailing all the reasons why those requests are impossible—almost like a courtroom defense where I’m my own worst enemy. This often leads to confusion and back-and-forth debates, like:
“But last week, I wore a short-sleeved shirt when it was cold. Why can’t I today?”
My answer: I wasn’t thinking straight that day.
“How come my friend Alex has dessert at school and then gets another at home, while I only got one?”
My answer: There are kids who are starving, and I’m not talking about those moms in yoga pants. Let’s focus on what matters.
However, after a rejuvenating weekend in the Bahamas, my response shifts to something more like: “Sweetheart, life isn’t always fair, but let’s have some fun!”
During my adventures with my friends, which I initially dubbed “Moms Gone Wild” or “The Great Escape,” I’ve come to realize these trips are now a necessary ritual in my life. It’s like celebrating a holiday—essential and joyful.
I’ve seen friends whose spouses have put their foot down about these trips, calling them with guilt-laden updates about the kids, making it hard for them to truly relax. Some even get the cold shoulder upon their return, leaving them feeling like their getaway wasn’t worth the hassle. I used to advocate for these necessary escapes, reminding my mom friends that sometimes it’s good for dads to learn what a day in the life of a mom truly entails.
The truth is, my husband and kids seem to thrive when I’m away. Just look at their faces—pure joy, reminiscent of that iconic scene in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off where the valets take a joyride in Cameron’s dad’s prized car, especially my husband’s expression of relief.
So why do so many mothers seem to feel guilty about taking a few days for themselves? I once thought the saying “happy wife, happy life” was a little outdated, but studies, like those published in the Journal of Marriage and Family—yes, it exists!—show that when moms return from a break, they come back refreshed and with a renewed appreciation for their families.
In simple terms: A happy wife equals a happier relationship, leading to a more fulfilling life for everyone involved. This is a truth I can fully support.
But here’s the catch, mamas: don’t expect a hero’s welcome when you get back. If your kids barely glance up from their art projects after a weekend of fun with dad, you’ll just have to deal with it. Though it might sting a little, it’s a sign that you made the right choice.
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In summary, taking a break from motherhood is not just beneficial; it’s essential for personal wellbeing and family harmony. Embrace the wild side, and don’t feel guilty about your much-deserved getaway!