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When Mom Takes Time for Herself

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Sometimes, taking a break with the girlfriends is the best way to care for yourself

It’s no secret that moms perform multiple full-time jobs simultaneously, even if they’re also working elsewhere for pay. Not only is parenting a 24/7 job, but other tasks such as cleaning the home, cooking meals, chauffeuring the kids to activities and serving as the in-home teacher are often part of daily mom duties. The job can be exhausting, and no HR department guarantees built-in breaks or vacation time.

Looking for some reprieve? A moms night out can certainly provide a much-needed escape. It might seem impossible to get away for an evening and that any efforts to take a moms night out would only result in the kind of hilarious drama found in the aptly-named 2014 movie. Rest assured, though, moms can get away for an evening with a little less drama and more relaxation than portrayed on screen.

Perhaps one of the most difficult parts of taking a moms night out is simply overcoming the guilt of taking a break. When so many responsibilities weigh on you, taking a night off isn’t easy, but consider the benefits and make it a priority.

Time away with friends can provide a sense of renewed energy in parenting and some much-needed adult conversation. It also gives you the opportunity to step away from frustrations and mentally reset. In parenting, losing a sense of your own identity is all too easy when you spend so much of your time serving the family, and a moms night out can help you retain a bit of your own individualism. Your family might even be more appreciative of everything you do when you step away for a bit.

“It’s not only good for the mama, but it also does the kids good to see Mom get a break,” says local mom Meagan Ingold.

Need some creative ideas for a moms night out? Try these:

Your mini escape doesn’t necessarily have to be a moms night out. A Saturday morning at the farmers market followed by brunch can provide a much-needed respite, as well. Of if you are totally overdue for some time for yourself, consider taking a small day trip with the girlfriends.

“Every stage of motherhood is different and brings new challenges and things to celebrate, which is why having a community of women to share those moments with you, who are walking life with you, encouraging you and cheering you on, is so important,” says Michaela Mick, a Lee’s Summit mom.

Mick says her favorite moms night out has been sitting around the table at a restaurant and being able to talk about life.

Local mom Jenny Wilhoit says she takes a moms night out with three other mothers every other month, and in the process, they have celebrated everyone’s birthday and a “Galentine’s Day.” She says her favorite memory is when they went out for her 30th birthday because it started their tradition of birthday celebrations.

“The value I’ve found in it is connecting with other moms going through the same things,” Wilhoit says. “Talking out problems or issues with people going through the same thing has been helpful. It’s also good for my children to see me spending time outside the house with friends.”

Benefits of moms night out

Are you still not convinced you should take some time off for a moms night out? Here are some benefits you could experience if you do:

Allison Gibeson is a Lee’s Summit writer and mom whose favorite moms night out is anything involving great conversation with cherished friends.

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