The other day I cracked under the pressure of potty training the twins alone while my husband was away for FIVE days. I took to social media to share my plight. I described my fantasy of checking into a hotel for three days to shower for 8 hours alone, eat some chocolate cake and watch hours upon hours of mindless TV. Judging by some of the comments not everyone shared my enthusiasm for moms taking alone time.
For the record, I don’t want to spend time away from my kids. I just want to unplug from the demands of my day job. Being home with kids 24/7 is hard work. I would love a break now and then. That’s why I look forward to Mom’s Night Out (MNO)! Whether it’s going out for drinks or dinner or my new favorite, Vine Van Gogh paint night, moms *NEED* a time out!
Here is why I love a night out once in a while:
Spending all my time tuned into the demands of 3-year-olds obscures my link to other humans. I could go days without chatting to another adult. Sometimes I long to be connected to the rest of the world. I don’t mean the dramas of Facebook, but an honest connection with friends. When I spend time with other people it feels like I have more people in my circle than just princesses and Strawberry Shortcake. (FYI: totally a snooty bunch).
When I leave hubby in charge for a night it makes him more aware of the amount of work it takes to get our kids from the breakfast table to bedtime. It’s a bonus if he has to handle the bedtime shenanigans all by himself. Plus, it’s great daddy-daughter bonding time, right?
Sharing war stories with other moms gives me perspective. My kids do stupid things all the time. In the moment of cleaning it all up I’m not laughing… until I hear about how it happened to some other mom. Stuff is just way funnier when its not happening to you! It reminds me that I am not living in a bubble and that all of the stress of parenting is temporary. Yes. Even 18 years is temporary. One day soon I’ll be sending them off on the school bus to spend 6 hours of their day with other people. Then like a week later they’ll start college!
When I talk to other adults and use big words like “legalization” and “perfunctory,” it reminds me I am smart and stuff. It makes me feel like those few remaining brain cells clustered way in the back haven’t failed me!
When I spend too much time with poop it makes me ‘hatey.’ Five days alone with twins who are potty training is insanity … no it’s twinsanity! No one should ever have to clean up that much poop. Ever.
Back when I was a ‘working girl’ I’d count down the week till Friday at 5 o’clock! Then I could check out of my work week and head out for nom-noms and beer. Now my 5 o’clock countdown is for bedtime with no promise of nom-noms or beer. Except on Mom’s Night!
Thank you Vine Van Gogh for another great night out!
If you haven’t been to a Vine Van Gogh paint night yet you’re in luck! Enter for your chance to win a 2 pack of tickets to the Brews and Brushes event at Keegan Ales on Aug. 20th! Click here to enter
No skills required! Just you, some friends and some fun!
Actual Facebook fantasy status update: After this week alone (that’s 5 days in a row) while hubby was away for work (eating steak for dinner, talking to humans and sleeping in a cushy hotel) I realize something:
All I want for my birthday is to check into a hotel for 2 maybe 3 days, take a 8 hour hot shower alone, order some fresh hot food and sit down while I eat it….maybe even lie in bed and eat it… yeah, totally lie in bed and eat it. Might binge on a little (or a lot of) chocolate cake. Watch actual live TV and sleep. I’m not even going to get dressed, just wear a robe. Then I’m going to wake up and take a nap before my lunch of chocolate cake and champagne. I might text a few mom friends while I’m at it and tell them to make up an excuse to get out of the house. Say you need to run to Target for ‘lady supplies’ and drive over here to hang out for a few hours. I’ll put on clothes and we’ll just laugh and eat and watch TV. It will be great!
Where do you go for a fun Mom’s Night out?
*THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED*
I am drowning and losing myself with all that I do for my three kids and work. A night out would be awesome!
Good luck busy mama!
Lol vine is my surname lol x
I love this idea for a mom’s night out. Combining my love of wine and creativity, all while unwinding after chasing my two little munchkins all day!
You deserve some time to yourself!
I’ve been taking a Bollywood/Zumba dance class on Thursdays in Rhinebeck at the American Legion (630pm – $15 for “drop-ins” ) FABULOUS ! and a lot of fun ! we laugh a lot and I’ve fallen down from tripping over my own feet ….no one cares ! Come join us !
Sounds like a lot of fun!
Thanks for the chance!
Welcome! You deserve it!
Would love a night out and I have a mom friend who needs one bad!!!
Every mom needs a night out! Good luck!
because it’s a fantastic time, even if you suck at painting (like i do)!
If there’s a bottle of wine open you can find me close by! Whether it’s a paint night or a truck rally!
In need of a night out!! Two teenagers, enough said!
Definitely says it all!
I need a night out (especially if wine is involved) so that I can feel like a human again. My kids are my life, but I have to remember myself at times too!
Moms are people too!
Definitely need a mommy’s night out!! Between running around after an 18 month old all day, cleaning all night, and dealing with lots of family drama….I’m about to lose it!!
I’m sorry to hear about the drama! Good luck sounds like you deserve a win!
I wish more of my mom friends understood the value of moms night out…I have the hardest time getting anyone to join me! Its so important for us as moms and for our children for us to get a little time “off” to reboot! Cheers!
“reboot” that’s a great way to put it!
I want to go to a Vin Van Gogh event so badly.
I definitely would love a night out! I have a very energetic 2 year old and a new baby who keep me busy all the time!
Sounds like you could use a break! Good luck!