Taking a Girl’s Trip: Avoiding Mom Guilt for Traveling Without Kids

I’ve got to tell you; I’m having a hard time Avoiding Mom Guilt for Traveling Without Kids.

I’m planning a little 2-night trip to celebrate a girlfriend’s upcoming milestone birthday. Yes, I’m super excited about it; spending time with my besties always boosts my supply of the “good feels.” And, for this trip, it’s a mom’s only adventure. We’re going completely kid-free!!!

Taking a Girl’s Trip: Avoiding Mom Guilt for Traveling Without Kids

Once upon a time, the thought of leaving my kids while I went out and had fun made my mom-guilt meter soar. I felt it was selfish to choose to spend time away from my family, especially when work demands already regularly pulled me away from them.

But, with time and practice, I eventually overcame those feelings of mom guilt; I even began enjoying my free time away from my family.

Overcoming Mom Guilt Tip #1: Baby Steps

The first few times I “abandoned” my family for fun, it was for an evening out with friends. I sat through a movie and dinner, all the while nervously clutching my phone in case my family had an anaphylactic level reaction to my absence.

When I finally rushed in the door, I learned my family had been just fine without me. Granted, the dishes weren’t done, and the kids were up later than I would have allowed, but all were happy and content. It gave me hope.

Overcoming Mom Guilt Tip #2: Let Go of the Furniture!

After I had a few more family-free outings under my belt, I began to let go of the constant nervousness. So I started to keep my phone in my purse instead of my hand. I wasn’t permanently poised to run out the door. I was getting the hang of this.

My kids were too. I had found a babysitter that I could trust and, my kids loved her. She was the teenaged daughter of a co-worker; she was an excellent fit for us. I loved knowing my kids were enjoying their time without me too.

Overcoming Mom Guilt Tip #3: Stand on Your Own

A night away is a big step. But, if you’ve been practicing having fun without your kids, the experience should go smoothly. It does take more planning and preparation than a date night outing, but it can be done.

Grandparents have been entrusted with the “overnight” task in our household. Spending the night at Nana’s has allowed the grandparent-grandchild connections to grow. They have their routines when they visit Nana’s and look forward to those special times at their grandparent’s house.

Mom guilt can be powerful. If left to run out of kilter, mom guilt can stop us from showing ourselves the same care and concern we offer our families. Getting ahead of the mom guilt monsters is beneficial to ourselves, and therefore, the well-being of the loved ones we give so much to.

My upcoming road trip will be full of laughter and good times, I’m sure. And, if any mom guilt monsters try to make an appearance, I know I’ll have the support of my fellow traveling moms to help me keep those bad apples at bay.

Do you find it tough when avoiding mom guilt for traveling without kids? Have you taken a girl’s trip lately???