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:
- Take a painting class. Pinot's Palette is just one business that offers classes with step-by-step instructions to create a great painting. You’ll feel quite fulfilled when you create a piece of artwork you never thought you were capable of.
- Go to a botanical garden. Powell Gardens or the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens offer wonderful, inspiring experiences in nature. Ingold and some of her friends went to Powell Gardens for a night out and had a wonderful time there. The venue even offers live music on some nights.
- Paint pottery or get crafty together. There are many businesses in the area that transform crafts into an experience that makes for a memorable time with the girls. Potter’s Haven Art Studio is one such businesses in Lee’s Summit.
- Go to a spa. Have you always wanted to get a facial, manicure, pedicure or massage but never had the time or wanted to spend the money on it? Make time for it and do it.
- Take a cooking class. You can expand your kitchen repertoire, deepen your friendships and have some fun all at the same time.
- Go shopping at boutique shops. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut of only shopping at big box stores, but you can find some of the most unique items in small boutique shops. Explore some tucked-away businesses with your girlfriends—you may come away with some surprise gems!
- Do an escape room. There are escape rooms all around the Kansas City area that offer a fun experience and promise to provide some good memories. Do you think you can make it out in time?
- Try Blade and Timber. Who says moms can’t throw an ax? It’s a fun way to release any pent-up aggression, too.
- Simply go out to dinner. Creative, fun and unique outings are always wonderful, but perhaps some of the best memories are made simply talking over dinner at a favorite restaurant. When out with the mom friends, be sure to choose a restaurant you love but don’t frequent much because the rest of the family doesn’t enjoy it as much as you do.
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:
- Deeper friendships.
- The opportunity to learn a new skill.
- A chance for relaxation, destressing and clearing your mind.
- Retaining your connection to the adult world.
- Maintaining a sense of your individualism.
- Helping the rest of the family be appreciative of everything 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.