I can’t even recall the last time my husband and I enjoyed an uninterrupted conversation. With our children aged 4 and 6, I’d wager it was sometime before 2017. My older child has grasped the art of waiting for a lull in the conversation to chime in, but my younger one? Not a chance. He has a unique talent for derailing discussions with relentless, “Mom, mom, mom!”
If you’ve never found yourself shouting, “OHMYGOD, WHAT?!” in response to a child’s interruption, you likely don’t have little ones around. Meaningful exchanges become a rare commodity in a household filled with kids. They’re either interrupting your thoughts every few seconds or diligently absorbing every word to later use against you in front of others. Isn’t parenting grand? cue sarcasm
It’s not just the conversations I miss; it’s the countless activities we used to enjoy as a couple before taking on the parenting role. We don’t intentionally overlook our relationship, yet somehow, kids have a way of becoming the center of our universe, and years can slip by before you realize it. We often forget to nurture our partnership because we’re too busy being mom and dad.
Don’t get me wrong; my love for my kids is boundless. They are my everything, my little stars. However, some days, I relish the idea of loving them from a distance—specifically, when they’re at Grandma’s, allowing my husband and me to reclaim our coupledom. What could be more rejuvenating than hopping on a plane to an exotic destination, indulging in local delicacies and immersing ourselves in new cultures? Well, I don’t have the vacation days or budget for that.
But here’s what I can do: enjoy a few nights in a hotel just a short drive away, along with a basket of breadsticks from the Olive Garden. Yes, my friends, let me introduce you to the budget-friendly getaway you didn’t know you needed.
Here’s the plan: First, send the kids off to Grandma’s. Next, choose a nearby town that offers fun activities. Whether it’s an hour away or a quick trip across town, find a place that excites you and book a hotel room. This step is crucial. You need to leave your home to truly embrace the vacation vibe. Staying at home makes it feel more like a day off than an actual getaway. Cast your responsibilities aside—at least for a couple of days. You can always tackle them when you return!
Whether it’s for a day or a couple of nights, spend this time with your partner doing everything you love. Grab a good book and relax by the pool, catch a non-animated movie, indulge at a fancy restaurant, or simply enjoy each other’s company. In essence, forget about your kids for a moment and focus on being a couple again. Trust me, you’ll be grateful for this time together.
This approach works wonders because who doesn’t love a vacation? There’s no cooking, no cleaning, and you can truly unwind. Vacations help us break free from our daily routines and recharge, but kids can complicate travel plans. So, why not eliminate them from the equation entirely? Just grab your partner and go, or if you prefer some alone time, leave your partner at home and embark on a solo staycation. Fellow introverts will understand!
So, the next time Grandma offers to babysit, take her up on it. Reserve a hotel room, pack a bag, and enjoy your well-deserved break.