Yes, I was THAT Mom. I refused to spend any time away from my child. Even when I knew I was in dire need of some “me time“, I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t set time aside to just relax and do things for myself. I suppose I just grew up with the mentality that motherhood is all encompassing and all consuming, and a mother never had “me time”.
After all, my mother never needed “me time”. My Mom did it all. She worked, she took care of three kids, she cooked, she cleaned, she helped us with our homework, she read us bedtime stories and tucked us in at night. She did it all. Never once did she complain that she was tired or needed any help.
I used to wonder how parents could go on vacation without their kids! Hubby and I have never gone away together without Little One. I don’t know why. I just don’t want to go anywhere without her. We travel as a family.
Friends and family have told us that they go on vacation as a couple every now and then so they can spend quality time together as a couple and make things not be all about the kids all the time.
I knew I needed “me time”, but always felt Mommy guilt and didn’t want to take time for myself. In the past few years, I’ve been away a lot for work purposes, it’s been just that. Work. Thanks to my family for taking care of Little One when I’m away. Lola and Grampy have been so amazing to care for her since Hubby’s really busy on the farm.
If I was ever away from Little One, it was because I had to be away. Work, meetings, work trips, funerals…Those were the only times I was away from my little girl. I’d be away and I’d feel Mommy guilt for being away.
Fast forward to the present year where working full-time, helping my husband run our farm, taking care of all things Little One related, the household, the cooking, the cleaning…and I am totally wiped out. To be honest, I was feeling like I needed a little break. I needed a break from work, the farm, the never-ending household chores, and lists of things to do. All I needed was a few days of R & R. The question remained — How?
My friend turned 40 and asked if I wanted to go on a girls’ trip with her. Truth be told, I haven’t gone on a girls’ trip since before I got married! I often wondered what it would be like to go to Cuba or Mexico with the girls. Weekend in Vegas or New Orleans? A shopping spree in NYC? That would be fun!
To be honest, though the idea of a Girls’ Get-Away sounded enticing, I never really wanted to be away from Little One. I couldn’t bear to be without my little girl for too long. That would be too much. The funny thing is that though she can sometimes be exhausting and I get overwhelmed with the amount of work there is to do here all the time, I miss Little One terribly when I am away from her.
My friend at Summer Bloom Cottage told me that we have to promise each other that we will enjoy our seven days away and not feel guilty.
This is what I’m looking forward to for the next week:
- Eating proper seafood!!! Lobster, mussels…so excited!
- Sight-seeing and visiting the Red Sands Shore
- Victoria-by-the-Sea
- Exploring Anne’s house & parading through Anne’s hometown (I’m really excited about the Anne of Green Gables Museum and Avonlea Village)
- Anne & Gilbert, the musical
- A few days relaxing at Dalvay by the Sea
Though I know I am going to have a fabulous time, I still cannot help but feel a tinge of guilt for leaving my husband and daughter for a week. I feel a bit of anxiety just thinking of all the housework that will be waiting for me when I return from my “relaxing vacation”. For now, I’ll try to forget about the mountains of laundry, the piles of dishes in the sink, and the living room in disarray. This is going to be a great trip.
My sister suffers from mom guilt big time. It’s totally normal and I’m glad you took some time to recharge!
I am planning on going to Peru at the end of October and am already starting to feel the guilt. My mom and dad will be watching my kids so I know they are safe but I still feel bad for leaving them. We have never been apart they are basically super glued to me haha.
no mommy guilt allowed on this trip.
My Husband and I are expecting our first little bundle of joy this coming November and we couldn’t be more thrilled or excited to meet him. He’s been long awaited and now that he’s almost here I fear I too will be one of THOSE moms! I understand there must be a fine line and I hope that I’m able to deal with it. I enjoyed the read and tips! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Have a great time! Even though you will still worry and possibly feel a bit guilty all Mom’s need a break every now and then.
I understand where you are coming from, but I hope you have the most excellent time!
Thanks, Anne! I’m sure it’ll be a blast! I hope I don’t miss the munchkin too much though!
No, I don’t suffer from Mommy Guilt.
I enjoy my time alone and love to get away from everyone in the house; I feel like an adult again! I do this once per year to recharge. Naturally I think of the family when I am away…
Have an amazing getaway!
Cheers.
Dreena, I totally need to let go of the mommy guilt! I know. Ahh! 🙂
I speak the truth!! lol
Don’t forget, little princess is getting a week alone with the King.. as a daughter, you know what that means.. it’s important for their relationship as well that they have this time together…
You are so right, my friend! Hugs, Darlene! xo
Aw hun… totally normal and nothing wrong with it… you really do need this time away, much much more then you realize. Trust me when I say, you will feel guilty and at times almost be ready to dial the airlines and book that flight home…. but you won’t. Deep deep way deep down somewhere inside you below that Mommy guilt, you know you need this. Your mind/heart.. your soul needs this.
I think you will have some rough moments but when you return you will feel a renewed energy. Parenting/being a wife, doing all you do is work. Plain and simple… and everyone needs time off now and then.
I hope you have an amazing times and overcome the moments of ‘guilt’ with ease and the realization, you deserve this chick!!
Have a blast & I’m looking forward to the piccies!
Ah! Darlene! I woke up to find your comment waiting here for me and you’ve got me in tears. Blessed to have such a lovely person in my life 🙂 Hugs to you! xoxo