Story by Caitlin Fladager
My kids go to their grandparents for a sleepover, but I don’t miss them. I actually look forward to it.
It makes me a better mom.
It’s good for me, and them.
I went to go out with a friend last weekend for a late dinner, and when I got there , she asked where my kids were tonight. I said “oh, they’re at their grandparents for the night.” And she said “oh, that must be hard, you must miss them!”
I thought to myself and said “not really!”
It’s good for moms to have breaks, and looking forward to time without your kids, doesn’t make you a horrible mother, it makes you human.
It’s good for my mental health, to spend time apart from them, and regather my thoughts.
It’s good to have some one on one time with their dad, who is not just their dad, he is also my husband.
It’s important to reconnect on a level where we are not just “mom and dad”. To remind us that we are also husband and wife.
It’s important for me, to remind myself that I am a person. I am not just “mom”. I am so much more.
It’s important for my children to spend time with their grandparents as well.
I love my kids, more than anything, but I don’t miss them when I get the chance to have a break.
Those breaks are crucial to me as a mom, as a human, and to my mental health.
They are also very important to my kids, to explore life without me, sometimes.
Breaks are not only important when you are a parent, they are necessary.
So, no, I don’t miss my kids when I have a night away from them.
I love them, because the break is very much needed, for both of us.
It’s okay to have a break from your kids, and be happy about it.
It’s okay to have a night away, and not miss them.
Yes, you are mom.
But you are also a human, with needs.
Take time to yourself, and don’t feel guilt about it.
It’s okay to take a break, and not miss your kids.
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