"I packed my bag, kissed the kids goodbye, and skipped out the door, not out of neglect, but necessity. I was off for a weekend of no kids, no bedtime stories, and no reapplying sunscreen on wriggly bodies. We sat in lounge chairs, read books, drank bottomless cocktails, and didn't check the time or see if anyone needed to eat to avoid a meltdown."
"We were somewhere with a pool, a beach, and lots of other children enjoying themselves. At one point, watching a family play in the pool, I wondered if I should've felt guilty that I hadn't brought my kids away with me to enjoy this experience, but I didn't. I know what it would've been like if I brought them. I know those parents aren't sleeping in tomorrow."
"I saw a meme recently that resonated deeply with me. It said: My two favourite things are being with my kids and being without my kids. I totally agree. I love being with my kids. They're fun and cute and bring out a very silly side of me. Parenting is a wild and wonderful experience. Kids are also an all-access pass to spending a day at a petting zoo or splash park, eating watermelon in your bathing suit."
I love my kids, but I also need time without them to remember who I am beyond a mom. I packed a bag, kissed the kids goodbye, and left for a weekend with no bedtime stories, sunscreen duty, or schedule-checking. I lounged, read, drank bottomless cocktails, and watched other families while feeling no guilt about not bringing my children. Parenting away from home is not a true holiday; a child-free weekend provided real rest. Regular, guilt-free adult-focused days and longer breaks restore energy, reinforce personal identity, and make me a better parent when I return.
Read at Business Insider
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