I’m a SAHM with a very part-time job that consists of writing this and that other blog.

This means I spend a lot of time with my children.

Which means at the end of the day, I can definitely see why the evening glass (or on certain days, bottle) of wine begins to look mighty attractive.

The problem is, I don’t really drink.

So, short of having my own rubber-padded room in which to retreat, I rely on getting away from my sometimes annoying darling children to maintain my sanity.

I cannot stress the importance of taking time for yourself to my fellow mothers.

When my son was born, I saw any time I spent away from him as a betrayal of my motherly duties.  That I would choose to not be with him was an insult to him, and just a sign of my deficiency as a mother.  Puh-leeze, former me, you are taking yourself waaay too seriously. 

Now that my daughter is here, I’ve thrown all that nonsense to the wind.   The kids are not going to melt because you left them with your husband.  In fact, it’s probably a good thing that Dad has some alone time, since Mommy tends to dominate their social schedule. Having two children is definitely harder than one, I just never knew how much more mentally draining it could be.  Add the fact that my Energizer-bunny daughter is in a rebellious toddler phase, and most of the time I can’t get out of here fast enough.

So if you can get some time, any time, away from your kids, do it.  Don’t second guess yourself, and don’t feel guilty.  I don’t care if it’s just a quick trip to Target, (which I don’t consider a chore the same way I do a trip to the grocery store), coffee with a friend, or a walk around the neighborhood.

GET THEE OUT!

I don’t care if you have to bribe your husband, or hire a sitter, or whatever.

You will feel happier and refreshed and it’s true that it will make you a better parent. It’s healthier for every relationship to have some time away from each other, and the parent-child one is no exception.

I promise.