After spending the last ten years as a stay-at-home mom to four wonderful children, I’ve often found myself navigating this journey mostly on my own, thanks to my husband’s work commitments that have taken him away for weeks, months, or even longer. I’ve tackled sleepless nights, long homeschooling sessions, and an endless stream of laundry, dishes, and bedtime stories. I’ve been the one to enforce rules, provide comfort for every scraped knee or broken heart, and make the big decisions. From planning trips and managing budgets to being the chef, chauffeur, homework assistant, and peacekeeper, my list of roles is extensive.
Being a mom is no easy feat, yet it’s a role I cherish. I’ve dedicated myself fully and have no plans of slowing down. However, I’m feeling the weight of exhaustion, and sometimes, a mom just needs a break. I’m not talking about a quick grocery run (although those mini-escapes are priceless), but rather a real getaway—days spent free from all responsibilities.
I share this background because, to my surprise, I faced criticism from some of those I thought would be my biggest supporters when my husband surprised me with a vacation—just for me. Four whole days and three blissful nights, all to myself. I was thrilled when he said, “Go, I’ve got the kids covered.” But when I shared the news, the responses ranged from, “Why do you need to leave your family?” to “Are you feeling alright?” and “For four days?!”
So, here’s why I’m genuinely looking forward to being kid- and husband-free for this much-needed getaway:
- Traveling Solo: I get to fly without worrying about packing extra snacks, toys, or clothes. Just me, a good book, and maybe a glass of wine—what’s not to love?
- Hotel Bliss: Checking into a hotel means no more “quietly” shushing my kids to stop jumping around. I might just relish the peace and tranquility of my room.
- Sleeping In: Let’s be honest, I’ll probably wake up at 7 a.m. out of habit, but there’ll be no kids to quiet down. No more trips to the buffet to manage their antics, and I might even skip breakfast entirely—what a dream!
- No Entertaining Needed: I won’t have to plan activities for my husband or make sure he’s entertained. This trip is all about me, not playing the role of a caretaker for an adult.
- Book Time: I can read as many books as I want, enjoy hot meals, and shower without an audience. Oh, the sheer joy of having solitude!
Honestly, I’m not sure how I’ll spend my time, but I know I’ll savor every moment. Of course, I’ll miss my family and worry about how they’re doing, but I refuse to feel guilty for taking this time for myself.
If you’re judging my decision to take this family-free vacation, that’s your prerogative. But if you’re like me and this sounds absolutely delightful, then you’re my kind of people. Here’s to all the hardworking, exhausted moms who could use a well-deserved break—whether it’s a trip to Target, a spa day, or a few days away. Taking time to recharge can truly transform how we show up in our roles as mothers and partners. Cheers to you, amazing moms!
For additional insights on parenting and self-care, check out this engaging post on Home Insemination Kit or visit Make A Mom for expert advice on the journey to motherhood. For more information on fertility topics, Science Daily is an excellent resource.
Summary: A stay-at-home mom shares her experiences and the necessity of taking a solo vacation for self-care. Despite facing judgment, she emphasizes the importance of recharging to be the best version of oneself as a parent.