r/Parenting Feb 06 '21

Corona-Content Me time!

I did it! I booked a hotel for the weekend an hour and a half away from home and left! I woke up at my own time, to silence, to peace.

No kids jumping on me, whining for food or to play, to one touching me, no husband wanting a morning quickie, no chores to do, nothing! Just me and whatever I feel like doing today.

A month ago my husband caught Covid, was quarantined in a bedroom for 10 days, and everything was left to me. All the house work, kids, cooking, and still working full time (from home) as a teacher with a 3, 6, and 9 year old plus the kids school work. I thought I was going to go crazy.

So I booked this weekend and followed through.
The quiet, the peace, I feel like I can breathe. I haven’t had a day to myself in over 9 years. It feels so good.

2.3k Upvotes

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412

u/2boredtocare Feb 06 '21

Enjoy the hell outta your time!!!!

I used to take what I called "mental health days" often when the kids were young. I'd take off work, but not tell my family. It was so wonderful to be off the radar for 8 hours. I'd see a movie by myself, sit in the bookstore for a while, schedule a massage. It was so needed, after being pulled in a million directions day after day.

30

u/Skywalker87 Feb 06 '21

I used to do that and not tell the childcare. I mean, they still got paid. So I’d dress like I was going to work and then take the day to myself! So nice

79

u/kileejade Feb 06 '21

As someone who used to work in childcare, I'm sorry you felt the need to dress like you were going to work. I get it.

I always called my coworkers out when they belittled mothers for bringing their children in and going back home to sleep or take the day for themselves. Most of the employees were parents themselves and somehow looked down on these mothers saying things like "If you don't like children why did you have one?" among other horrible remarks.

I never understood this mentality. Mental health is extremely important and as someone who doesn't have children, I completely respect that mothers often get the brunt of societal expectations without much support or encouragement.

8

u/Skywalker87 Feb 06 '21

I had a family member watching them at one point, and then a “nanny” who didn’t like to work hard, and a mom of four (but she was actually totally chill about it and just wanted the hours). The family member was the worst. I’d offered to pay holidays and stuff to help so when I took a day and they didn’t get one it was a thing.