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Parenting
The Case for a Girlfriend Getaway (Go for It, Mama!)
by Jamie Rivers
Updated: June 7, 2017
Originally Published: May 18, 2017
When you have little ones running around, everyday items seem to find their way into the most unexpected spots. You’ll discover milk tucked away in the cupboard, shaking your head as you pour the lumpy remnants down the drain. Tin foil? Oh, that’s hiding in the fridge behind the grapes, of course. And how many times have you opened the microwave to find your forgotten morning coffee, cold and uninviting? You sip it anyway, because, well, it’s been that kind of day.
But it’s not just about misplaced items; things often go missing altogether. Keys vanish right when you need to leave the house, important papers get buried under a mountain of kid’s drawings, and you can find an abundance of pencils and paperclips—except when you actually need them. Sometimes, even your children seem to go missing in the chaos.
When I first became a mom, my own mother shared her secret for finding a sliver of peace: she would lie down on the floor between her bed and the window, in a sunny spot where we’d never think to look for her. It became her little sanctuary, and though she could hear us calling for her, those precious moments of solitude helped her recharge.
As mothers, we often lose ourselves in the hustle and bustle of daily life. What happens when we forget our own names amid the constant calls of “Mom”? When we dive so deeply into the world of children’s literature that we forget our own literary adventures? Or when we teach our kids how to be good friends but neglect our own friendships?
This is why I’m a firm believer in the power of a girlfriend getaway. An afternoon away can be refreshing, but a few days? That’s a game changer. It allows us to reconnect with ourselves, gather our thoughts, and emerge rejuvenated. While some may feel guilty about leaving the kids behind, fearing chaos will ensue, I assure you that it can be a liberating experience.
When I took my first girls’ trip, I anticipated returning to a disaster zone: wrappers strewn across the floor, two wild children covered in dirt, and a sink overflowing with unwashed dishes. Instead, I came home to a tidy house, cheerful kids, and my husband had even tackled a home improvement project. Part of me thought he’d struggle—maybe then he’d see the challenges of full-time parenting. He did admit it wasn’t easy, but he managed beautifully.
While he was busy impressing me, I was soaking up the sun on a flight from sunny California to Cabo San Lucas for a three-night escape with my friends. With the right crew, you can enjoy your coffee without interruptions, lounge by the pool, and relish every moment without having to tie shoes or fetch tissues.
You’ll rediscover who you are outside of “Mom”—the hotel staff will know your name when you check in! You can stay at the beach without worrying about sand following you home. You’ll ride a banana boat, scream with laughter as you’re tossed into the water, and savor every bite of a delicious dinner without counting veggies. Sleep? Yes, please! No one will wake you up at the crack of dawn.
It’s during these weekends that you’ll learn quirky things about your friends—like how one listens to Christmas music while showering in June, or another’s hidden skill at Canasta. You’ll share stories and truly listen, providing support and comfort to one another. You’ll read in peace, getting lost in a book just for you, and remember what it feels like to escape into another world.
By the end of your trip, you’ll return with small treasures: coconut soaps, candies, and bracelets. Your kids will light up at the gifts from your “far-off” adventure, and everyone at home will be thrilled to see you again.
When you step back into your usual routine, you’re not just “Mom”—you’re you again. You’ll check in on friends, set up game nights, and finally finish that book you started ages ago. You might even find yourself singing in the shower, bringing joy back into your life. Your kids will notice the sparkle in your eyes and learn what it means to nurture friendships. You may still find that cup of coffee lingering in the microwave, but you’ll know exactly who you are.
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Summary:
Embracing the idea of a girlfriend getaway can be incredibly refreshing for mothers. Taking a few days to reconnect with friends allows for personal rejuvenation, self-discovery, and the chance to step away from the chaos of parenting. You’ll return home with a renewed spirit, ready to embrace your roles as a mom and a friend, and your children will benefit from seeing you flourish.