As a parent, it’s not uncommon to find things in unexpected places. You might pour a glass of milk only to discover it’s been stashed in the cupboard, or uncover tin foil lurking behind a bag of grapes in the fridge days later. There are evenings when you open the microwave at dinnertime only to find your cold, forgotten coffee staring back at you.
It’s not just misplaced items that leave us feeling frazzled; sometimes, we lose track of ourselves. The keys vanish, important documents get buried beneath a mountain of toys, and crucial supplies like pencils and paperclips seem to disappear when we actually need them. In the chaos, we can even lose our sense of self amidst the constant chorus of “Mom.”
When I first became a mother, my own mom shared her secret: she would escape to a sliver of sunlight between her bed and window, a hidden sanctuary where she could briefly disconnect from the demands of motherhood. In those small moments of retreat, she found a chance to breathe and recenter herself.
However, as moms, we often find ourselves unintentionally lost. What happens when we forget our own identities while teaching our children about friendship and empathy? This is precisely why I advocate for dedicated weekends away with girlfriends. While a few hours can provide a breath of fresh air, a few days allow us to reconnect with ourselves, to recharge fully.
Some might consider a weekend getaway with friends to be a luxury—like indulging in an entire cake instead of just a slice. Others might worry about leaving their children in someone else’s care. I had my doubts too, certain I would return home to chaos: wrappers strewn across the floor, toys everywhere, and two wild children. Surprisingly, when I returned from my first getaway with friends, the house was intact, the kids were thriving, and my husband had even managed to refresh the home’s exterior with a new coat of paint.
While he took on the parenting challenge, I had flown from sunny California to Cabo San Lucas for a three-night escape with girlfriends. The right group of women means no one expects you to cater to their needs. You can enjoy your coffee without interruption and lounge by the pool without having to tend to anyone else’s needs.
You’ll rediscover your actual name as the hotel staff calls it out during check-in. You can sit on the beach without worrying about sand ending up in your car. You might even find yourself clinging to a banana boat, laughing as you get thrown into the water against your wishes.
Dinner becomes a leisurely affair, free from the worry of who has eaten their vegetables. You can sleep in without small hands waking you up, and spills at breakfast won’t send you into a panic. You’ll reconnect with friends, learning their quirks and secrets, like one who plays holiday music in the shower year-round. You’ll have time to truly listen to another friend’s struggles and offer support.
It’s a chance to read, really read, without interruptions, allowing you to drift away into your own world. You’ll return home carrying small souvenirs from your trip—a lovely reminder of your time away. Your children will be excited to see you, and you’ll feel renewed, ready to embrace your roles as mom and wife without losing your sense of self.
After a weekend away, you’ll find yourself more present. You’ll check in on friends and carve out time for yourself. You’ll even find joy in singing silly songs in the shower, and your kids will notice the sparkle in your eyes. They’ll see what it means to be a friend and witness you engaging in your own passions. You might still discover that coffee in the microwave, but you’ll feel grounded in who you are.
For more insights on parenting, consider visiting other blog posts like this one on home insemination and explore helpful resources at March of Dimes for all things related to pregnancy. If you’re interested in the practical aspects of starting a family, check out CryoBaby’s home insemination kit for a comprehensive solution.
Summary
Taking time for a weekend away with friends can be a crucial step for mothers seeking to reconnect with themselves. These getaways offer a chance to breathe, recharge, and rediscover personal interests outside of parenting. By stepping away, mothers can return to their families revitalized and ready to engage more fully in their roles.