Having young kids often leads to some amusing chaos. You might find the milk tucked away in the pantry, and after a few moments of disbelief, you end up pouring it down the sink. The aluminum foil makes a surprise appearance in the fridge, only to be discovered days later behind some grapes. And how many times have you opened the microwave in the evening to find your forgotten, cold coffee? You still take a sip, though.
It’s not just misplaced items; things can also go missing entirely. Keys vanish when you least expect it, important papers become buried under a mountain of toys, and stationery seems to multiply until you actually need it. Sometimes, even the kids seem to go missing, leading to a neighborhood-wide search when one accidentally lets the cat escape.
When my first child was born, my mother shared her little secret: whenever she needed a moment of peace, she would lie on the floor between her bed and the window, hidden in a sliver of sunlight that we would never think to search. This tiny retreat granted her a moment to collect herself, even while she could hear us bustling around the house. It was in that purposeful act of getting “lost” that she found her calm.
But as mothers, we often lose ourselves unintentionally. What happens when we become just “Mom” in a never-ending chorus? What occurs when we read so many children’s books that we forget how to enjoy our own stories? What about the friendships that fade as we focus on teaching our kids to be good pals?
This is why I wholeheartedly advocate for a girlfriend’s weekend. While a few hours away can be refreshing, a couple of days provides the opportunity to truly reconnect with ourselves. Some may view this as indulgent, akin to devouring an entire cake instead of just a slice. Others might worry about leaving their kids in someone else’s care.
I was certain that my first trip away would result in chaos at home—wrappers strewn across the floor, two messy kids, and a sink overflowing with dirty dishes. Instead, I returned to a clean house, happy kids, and a husband who had even found time to repaint the wood beams outside (talk about impressive!). Part of me secretly wished he would struggle, just so he could appreciate the challenges of being the primary caregiver. He admitted it wasn’t easy, but he handled it like a pro.
While he was enjoying some DIY, I was on a two-hour flight from Orange County, California, to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for a three-night getaway with my friends. With the right group, no one expects you to play chef or babysitter. You can savor your hot coffee uninterrupted, and while lounging by the pool, you won’t have to pause to help with shoelaces or tissues.
You’ll reclaim your identity, as the hotel staff addresses you by your name upon check-in. You can relax on the beach without worrying about sweeping sand out of your car later. You may even get tossed off a banana boat while laughing uncontrollably, a reminder of carefree days gone by.
Dinner can stretch into two leisurely hours, where your only concern is enjoying delicious food that you didn’t shop for, prepare, or clean up after. You’ll sleep in without little hands knocking at your door or kids climbing into bed. If someone spills milk, it’s not your problem to clean up later. You’ll learn quirky secrets about your friends, share heartfelt stories, and truly listen to one another. You’ll find the time to dive into a book and remember what it feels like to escape into another world.
You’ll come back equipped with small souvenirs from your adventure, and your kids will be thrilled to see you, excited by the “exotic” gifts you bring. As you settle back into your life, you’ll feel more like yourself again. You’ll check in on friends, invite them over for games, and carve out time to read that book you’ve been meaning to finish. You might even find yourself singing silly songs in the shower again, bringing joy to your kids’ faces.
Sure, you may still find your coffee in the microwave just before dinner, but you’ll be grounded and present. You’ll nurture your friendships and show your children the importance of self-care.
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In summary, taking a girlfriend’s weekend isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. It allows you to rediscover yourself, foster connections, and return to your family refreshed and ready to embrace the chaos of motherhood.
Keyphrase: Girlfriend’s Weekend
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