Let’s start with a not-so-fun fun fact. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, parents report significantly higher stress levels than other adults, and nearly half say their stress feels completely overwhelming most days. (2023 report)
Honestly? That tracks, and it’s kind of depressing. Though outside of being depressing, it does speak to a need for moms to have time off before they hit the point of self-destruct.
You might need a Mom’s Night Off if:
- You’ve reheated the same cup of coffee three times.
- You opened the refrigerator and forgot why.
- You considered hiding in the pantry permanently.
- You’ve answered “Mom?” so many times today it no longer sounds like a real word.
- The thought of nobody touching you for three hours sounds luxurious.
- Your idea of self-care is using the bathroom alone.
- You’ve spent more time managing everyone else’s emotions than your own.
- You can’t remember the last time you finished a meal before someone asked for a bite.
Look, motherhood is wonderful. Until it’s not. Because it’s also fucking exhausting and overwhelming and sometimes downright miserable.
While we can’t magically create more hours in the day, we can at least admit that moms deserve breaks without feeling guilty about it. So if you’re feeling like something in that list above is really hittin’ home for you… maybe it’s time to call in whatever support system you’ve got.
If you had one completely free night off and nobody needed anything from you, what would you do?
Take a bath, read a good book, eat lots of yummy treats, and hang out with my dog!
Sleep
read a book where i can actually read a paragraph before someone interrupts me to show me a funny pic on their phone
I would put on a facemask, order some sushi and watch an 80s movie without sharing my candy!
I would take a long nap, and a long shower. Paint my nails and binge a new series with a bowl of ice cream!
I would tune up my violin and do some reminiscing, curl up with a snack, hot tea and a good book, maybe take a snooze.
I would take a long shower then a nap
LOL! All of those bullet pts above! I would play music I want to listen to, stream non-PG content I want to watch, & eat ice cream without sharing!
Crafts, I’d do all the crafts!
Paint in watercolors, read, take a shower. Sleep in peace.
I would sleep.
I would watch something I’ve seen before and let it lull me to sleep.
I would get Chinese food take out, prop my feet up on the couch and watch some Love Island USA!
I think I’d just keep the TV off and read all snuggled up.
It is so important to take breaks and not be a ‘mom’ for a bit. Thank you for sharing this relatable post.
I totally agree that moms need a break and it is wonderful for them emotionally. Thank you so much for putting together this awesome post.
I’ve been feeling a bit off in the past few weeks, I think I do need a few nights off. I am feeling off and drained and I hate this. I should take a couple of days for sure.
This gave me a good laugh, but it’s also an excellent reminder that we moms need to take care of ourselves. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
I do think it’s so important for parents, mums particularly, to have some time to themselves to feel like their own person. If I had a night to do anything it would either be go out for food and see a show, or have a nice bath and read all evening x
I can totally relate to this feeling when my kids were younger! To be honest it is pretty similar now that they are teenagers. I definitely need a night off! Ha ha!