As I approached the final weeks of my pregnancy with my second son, I had planned to write a post titled “Mommy Needs a Break.” Fast forward six months, and I found that title sitting in my drafts, a testament to the exhaustion that hit me like a ton of bricks. I was so drained at the time that all I could manage was that title before I succumbed to a much-needed nap next to my open laptop.
While sifting through my drafts, I couldn’t help but think about how many parents would resonate with this sentiment. How often do we exhale deeply after our three-year-old throws a colossal tantrum over the color of their cup, muttering to ourselves, “I desperately need a break before I lose my mind”?
Yet, as caregivers, true breaks often feel elusive. I don’t really count the thirty minutes I gain by putting the kids to bed early so I can catch a few minutes of my favorite show before nodding off, nor do I consider a dinner out, while the kids are at Grandma’s, to be a real getaway. There’s always that nagging voice in my mind: remember to moderate your drinks, you’ll be up at dawn for the baby; or don’t forget the endless to-do list, from gathering tax documents to moving the laundry that’s been sitting too long.
When I think of a break, I envision a complete escape from responsibilities. I dream of a week where I don’t have to think about chores, meals, or changing sheets in the middle of the night due to an accident. I wish I didn’t have to let the dog out for the umpteenth time in a day.
Let me clarify: my love for my children is immeasurable, and I would do anything for them. However, sometimes I feel compelled to justify my need for a break, as if it’s a weakness.
I remember the first real break my partner and I took, just a few months after our first son was born. We checked into a hotel and simply lay in silence on the bed for what felt like eternity. It was pure bliss. Unfortunately, it’s been far too long since we’ve enjoyed a getaway without the kids. While our family vacations are wonderful, they often come with early mornings and constant caregiving.
I truly enjoy my time with my children, but I can’t recall the last time I relaxed by the pool with a book, without the constant awareness of a baby monitor nearby. Worrying about tantrums, medications, and general safety feels like a weight I carry everywhere.
For just one week, I want to wake up without the fear of hearing a child cry in the night. For just one week, I wish to shower without rushing. I yearn for the luxury of silence, to watch television sprawled out on a bed without a little one’s demands. I want to eat a meal without tiny hands snatching food from my plate. I want a reprieve from laundry, diaper changes, and cleaning messes. I want uninterrupted conversations with my partner without a child interrupting every few minutes.
Am I being selfish? I don’t think so. Everyone deserves a break from time to time, a chance to recharge for the sake of sanity. I believe that to be the best parent I can be, I must prioritize self-care.
This year, I am determined to take that break. I will escape with my partner, enjoy long showers, read a book, and dine without a high chair in sight. I know I may miss those little handprints and snotty noses after a day or two, but it will be worth it. After all, I dedicate my life to raising these little humans, and sometimes a breather is essential. Plus, absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?
If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out our post on at-home insemination kits. For those navigating societal roles in parenting, this resource might also be helpful. For anyone interested in the statistics surrounding infertility and pregnancy, the CDC’s excellent resource provides valuable information.
In summary, taking a break as a parent can feel nearly impossible. However, recognizing the need for self-care is the first step toward becoming a more balanced caregiver. Whether it’s a night away or simply a few hours of solitude, every parent deserves time to recharge.