Mom Needs a Break! 3 Tips to Get a Mom’s Night Out

We have all read numerous posts about self-care, how important it is and how much it helps us be better moms.  On the other hand, we also know how difficult it is to find the time to go out because of the bedtime routine or a traveling spouse. Sadly, before we know it, it’s been months since the last moms night out! We are familiar with the guilt, the crying and the work it takes to actually make it out of the house, so here are three tips to make mom’s night out easier and a priority. 

For the past couple of years, and especially since I became a SAHM, I have made it a priority to go out by myself and have the kids do a boys night at home with dad. For them, its dinner and TV, which is a big “no” during our normal weeknight routine. But sometimes we have to let go. It has become such an event for them that my oldest has asked me if I was going out that week. When I told him I wasn’t going out, he told me to “look on the internet and find something to do”. I didn’t know if I should have laughed or cried because of our five-year-old’s awareness and independence. However, I took his advice and planned a night out with the girls!

1. Plan a Mom’s Night Out (or nobody else will!)

We are all busy. Between jobs, after-school activities, and the never-ending birthday parties– we still need to make it a priority to go out. Check your calendar and find the best day that works for most of your friends. It could be a weekday or weekend evening or morning. The idea is to get a break from the routine. It can be draining every evening to prepare dinner, feed everyone, clean-up, read books, and get kids to bed. Even if you split the responsibilities with a partner it is exhausting! It is refreshing to have a quiet meal with other ladies, even if all you do is talk about your little ones. 

So, once you have date set, start coordinating with your friends. It might seem hard at the beginning, but you will eventually find someone to go out with. Don’t be shy to reach out! Believe me, other moms will thank you for your initiative. You can also count on out of town friends to pop in sporadically and go out with too. Don’t give up on creating and pursuing this time and be consistent so that everyone gets used to the routine of still having fun with fellow ladies. 

2. Plan an Easy Family Dinner at Home

The first couple of times I went out, I made sure to leave a beautiful and elaborate homemade meal. It was a way for me to cope with the guilt of going out. After a while, me and my husband agreed that he will take care of everything. After all, it was his night to make it special, and nothing better than chicken fingers and fries for a boys night in. So stock up your freezer and head out. If everything fails, there is always pizza delivery!

3. Talk to your kids

The most common comment I hear from fellow moms is how hard it is to get away. Most of the times the kids are crying and hate the separation of being away from mom. So, prepare your kids beforehand! Communicate with them how important it is to enjoy time with friends and that goes for Mommy too. Of course, reassure them that you’ll be back and look forward to seeing them in the morning. It might take some time, but its important for them to understand. If the idea is to hard for them to understand, plan out a date night between you and your kid (one at a time if possible) so they understand how fun it can be. 

Of course, if you are out of ideas on where to go, or all your friends are tied up, join us at one of the great events organized by DC Moms blog like the Sips, Sweets, & Sparkles and Moms Mingle & Munch at Matchbox . Stay tuned on 2019, because we got your back!