—
When is the last time your wife took a break from her responsibilities as a mom? As we all know being a mom is a full-time job. They have to sneak in naps when the newborn is asleep, or treat herself to lunch while the kids are at school, or socialize with other moms during a scheduled playdate… but that’s not enough! Mom needs a real break aka a real vacation. If you have to think back several years or can’t even remember the last time you spent more than 24 hours away from your children, then you’re due for a vacation, or more importantly, mom is due for a momcation.
Signs You Need To Give Mom A Break
As soon as you start planning the parental coverage during the vacation you start to feel a bit guilty, why did it take this long to plan a parental getaway? Once you look at the calendar and start vetting babysitters or relatives to help with the kids, you are quickly reminded of the long list of motherly responsibilities that are normally covered by only one person! If you see the mom of your house start showing any of these warning signs a break isn’t just warranted, its needed:
- Beverages like coffee and wine are now fuel to keep you going during the day and calm your nerves at night.
- The kids are always on thin ice, mom’s stress shortens her temper a bit
- Taking a shower or bath becomes the only place of peace
- Mom stops taking care of herself
- You see mom linger in the car often just to have a moment of peace to gather herself
- Mom isn’t interested in doing anything besides her daily chores, the loss of individual interests seems to fade
Setting up a momcation allows you to take mom away from the norm, do things she enjoys, explore new places and people, and more importantly, recharge. It can help to reduce the stresses of parenting the same way paid leave helps people cope with stressful jobs and careers.
Ideas for the Perfect Getaway
Planning family vacations often has the kids at the center of the decision making. The trip itinerary usually goes along with what the kids will put up with that the parents like or what the kids like that the parents can put up with. Some parents just don’t like Disney world or beach vacations every winter and spring, and that is okay. Taking a child-less trip is the best way to do something only mom wants to do. You can go to Paris and spend a week straight in museums without dragging a nine-year-old by the jacket collar the entire time.
- Select a Hotel Designed for Pampering – Though you might be used to looking for the cheapest hotel or accommodations with an arcade and other amenities for children, this trip is all about you. Start by looking for a hotel or resort that is designed for pampering. Large whirlpool tubs, plush bedding, spa services, and room service are all great starts. You can have a break without ever having to leave the hotel. Some parents will flock to Vegas to enjoy their own version of luxury and pampering while others prefer the quiet beaches of Cabo, either way, pick somewhere with great cocktails and maybe an 18 and over pool area!
- Check Out the Nightlife – Trade in the theme parks, zoos, campgrounds, and aquariums for casino concerts, comedy shows, and nightclubs. As you’re looking for entertainment, be sure to check out the nightlife in the area you’re traveling toward. You can find everything from a hole in the wall pub to a fancy nightclub with a DJ fit for dancing the night away. Either having cocktails in New York City speakeasy or dancing till 5 am in London, couples can let loose without the kids while revisiting their dating days when they had no responsibility.
- Retail Therapy Works Wonders – If you’re not one for clubbing, bar hopping, or dancing, there are still ways you can enjoy yourself on vacation. For instance, a little shopping always does the trick. Try to locate a place where there are lots of strip malls, shopping centers, or boutiques where you can shop to your heart’s content. However, instead of buying something for the kids, treat yourself to something nice. Whether you’re on a budget or not, there’s nothing like a new pair of shoes, a nice dress, or a new pair of earrings to improve your mood.
- Be One with Nature – Every parent is different just like every kid is different, each has their own loves. Many moms don’t want to go to Vegas or fly across oceans to see cities in Asia or Europe but would rather camp out in the Grand Canyon or Zion for a week. Turning the phone off or going somewhere that it wouldn’t work anyway can be the ultimate recharge for any parent if nature is their cup of tea. Nowadays you can easily rent a van or camper with creature comforts that can also climb mountains or create trails to take you away from the bright lights of your kids iPhones.
A parental escape is something that every parent needs to fit into their plans at least once a year, so dad get that map and calendar out soon! As hard as you work to make sure that your family is taken care of, you need to put some of that focus and attention back to yourself. In order to do that, you need to get away from your kids for a few days and just allow yourself to be. Whether you pamper yourself at a hotel, enjoy the nightlife is some of the country’s hottest cities, go on a little shopping spree, or re-channel your energy by becoming one with nature, when you return you’ll notice a huge difference in your abilities to kick butt and take names on the regular basis.
—
This is a featured post by site supporter Anne Davis
Photo: Getty Images