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Moms, It’s Time to Embrace That Girls’ Getaway!
By Jessica Hart
Updated: November 15, 2023
Originally Published: June 15, 2023
Taking a break from my kids truly enhances my ability to parent effectively. Yes, you read that right—the more I indulge in drinks and dance parties with my friends away from my children, the better mother I become. I’ve noticed that when I return from a girls’ trip, I am far more composed and patient with my little ones than I was before leaving. Upon my return, my voice has transformed; I speak slowly and in a neutral tone. I feel like a serene Mary Poppins, ready to tackle any unreasonable requests with grace and a few carefully chosen words.
Typically, when my children ask for something outlandish, I find myself justifying my reasoning like I’m arguing a case in court—against myself, no less. This rarely ends well; it usually leads to confusion and disputes from them about my flawed logic. They might say things like:
- “But last time, you let me wear a short-sleeved T-shirt when it was 50 degrees. Why not today?”
Response: Because I made a mistake back then. - “Why does Zoe get dessert at school AND at home, while I only got one dessert? That’s not fair!”
Response: Because there are people who don’t have any dessert at all—I’m not talking about those trendy moms at the gym. Enough about dessert!
But after a weekend of sun and fun in the Bahamas, my responses shift to something more like: “Sweetheart, life isn’t always fair. Now, let’s sing a song together!”
Perhaps my newfound calmness stems from finally getting some rest after days of early wake-ups, or maybe it’s just the remnants of last night’s festivities. However, I believe it goes beyond that. When I first began these annual trips (which have occasionally morphed into biannual escapes), we used to call them playful names like “Moms Gone Wild” or “The Great Getaway.” Now, there’s no need for euphemisms; it’s a tradition. A ritual. Much like the holiday season.
I’ve known friends whose partners have tried to dissuade them from taking these trips or have bombarded them with passive-aggressive messages about how the kids are faring without them. It’s a form of guilt that makes it difficult to truly enjoy the getaway. I often argue that it’s beneficial for dads to experience the full spectrum of parenting, too.
And guess what? The husbands and kids seem to manage just fine without us. Exhibit A: