Why You Need a Mommy Getaway

My friend texted me the other day:

Want to think about a May girls trip this year?

My first thought was of my family obligations and work deadlines in May, and most importantly my son’s birthday, daughter’s school play and husband’s work schedule. Feeling overwhelmed, I told my girlfriend I needed to chat with my husband and I didn’t think it was in the budget this year. She assured me we’d be doing it on the cheap.

When I spoke to hubby later that day I was pleasantly surprised to hear him say that he thought I should go, and that these little getaways were important for me to take. I wasn’t shocked that he felt that way, but I’m always in need of reminders as to why it’s important for me to have some time away from the family.

Wrapping your head around some much deserved vacay time for Mom is no small feat, what with scheduling, not wanting to leave your family behind, and often feeling guilt at the thought of doing so, it can be easier to skip a trip altogether, but here’s why you need to make it happen:

Motherhood is 24/7 job. While you love it most times, like every job, there are ups and downs and you deserve a break. If you have very little ones, you may not be ready to leave them and that’s alright, but as your children get older, you may feel the need to take a short trip on your own to refresh and reconnect with yourself. A mom getaway lets you focus on only one person – you!

Everyone will have a better appreciation for what you do. Some time away will let Dad or Grandma spend more time with the kids and also give them a better appreciation for what you do. Even though my husband is fully involved and capable, he still comments on the minutiae of day-to-day life with kids and how there are so many things to remember. My occasional getaways give him a better perspective of what I’m juggling at home on a daily basis. The kids also realize just how much Mom does for them.

Dad and other relatives have more time to bond. By being the sole caregiver for a few days, Dad or Grandma can become involved more deeply in the lives of the children. Maybe it’s their first time watching a swim club practice or volunteering at the school, whatever they are doing together will allow them more time to connect in a different setting than usual.

You will miss your kids and spouse, and they will miss you, too. And this is a really good feeling after being together all the time and sometimes forgetting what you love most about each other.

Time apart is good for everyone. It helps you to rediscover the woman you were before kids and gives your children a chance to see that they can indeed survive without Mom around.

I’ve got to text my friend back. . .