Treat Yourself to a Kidless Weekend

Yes, you read that right. A kidless weekend is a wonderful much deserved treat for any parent. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love kids, especially my three wonderful sons. I find other people’s kids to be adorable, too, especially my friends’.  But being a parent is a great load of responsibility. And we all get burned out from time to time. We get to a point in which we lose our patience, self control, sanity, and even our dignity. That’s why it’s so important to periodically recharge.

I’m talking about this topic because I’ve had a kid-free few days, and it has been wonderful. You might be wondering, how do I get myself this kind of amazing weekend? There are several ways. Cultivate a great relationship with your kids’ grandparents (your side and his side, step or bio or adoptive). If they live closeby, these alternate caregivers will help tremendously whenever you need quick babysitting or cheap childcare. Other resources include neighbors, friends, and godparents. I know some parents who take turns having the kids spend a day or a few overnights so that the parents can take turns going out. Of course, you would only engage in this mutual co-op of sorts if you have developed a close, trusting friendship with the other parent(s). Then the parties involved can do this for each other.

Another way to have a kidless weekend is to hire someone, like a nanny or babysitter. Although this option is more expensive, if you have no other relatives or friends who live closeby whom you can trust your kids with, then this plan is a great investment. As a parent, you work very hard– 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There seems to be no break. You are the only one to give yourself a break. Take care of you. Invest in your sanity, your self respect, your passions, and your quiet time. If you are married, a weekend away (or even at home) with your spouse with no interruptions and demands from little ones will do wonders for your marriage. You will finally enjoy your spouse again. You will rediscover your kind voice and mutual respect. Your husband also needs some alone time with you to rejuvenate his love, or keep his admiration burning hot!

Finally, if none of the above options work for your situation, there is always the mother’s night out or wo/men’s weekend away. Leave the kids with your partner for a few days. Things will look different when you get back, and it might not be that bad. The important thing is that you will feel different when you finally have some peace and quiet. If you spend this time away with the ladies, you’ll laugh and cry with them, find support, and most importantly, wisdom to share and to glean from. When you get back home, you’ll have more love and joy to spread. You’ll be recharged and ready to resume the full load of parenthood.

Anyone else tried this kid-free weekend? Or even a kidless couple of days? Tell us about it.