The Parent Break

I love this cover image because it is so true. A vehicle can only run on fumes for so long before it breaks down. Eventually, you need to fill up the tank. The same goes for parents. It's the end of 2018 and we are STILL under the impression that parents must keep parenting 24/7/365 without complaint and without a break. This notion that we must be "on" constantly is outdated, ridiculous, and possibly dangerous. Parents, I beg you: Think about yourself every once in a while and TAKE A FUCKING BREAK! You, and your children, will all be happier in the end.

Yes, I said your children will be happier. Why? A happy parent makes for happy kids. Parents, have you ever noticed that when you are a little extra stressed that your kids seem that way? Or if you're unhappy, your kids seem unhappy? That's because when we're stressed and/or unhappy, we tend to be short-tempered towards those around us...the kids. Kids are smart. They know if mom and/or dad are unhappy, they will probably feel the brunt of that. Logically, if we are happy and relaxed, we will do things like smile, laugh, and play more...our kids will see that and then they, too, will be happy and relaxed. It's time to put down the pile of laundry and go out for some fun!

For most parents, getting a break is just a phone call away. They have a wide range of support from family and friends who are willing to jump at the chance to give them a night out. But for others, such as myself, there is no immediate support group. In my case, my family lives far away, and I have less than a handful of people I would trust to leave my kids with. Breaks for me are far and few in between, and there have been many times where my tank has run empty. Most of my parenting breaks come at night, once my kids are asleep. I use that time to lounge on the couch with a good book, trashy TV show, or simply through scrolling my Instagram feed for an hour or two. I should probably spend that time finishing up the dishes in the sink, or putting away that pesky load of laundry, but I'm tired after a long day and deserve a rest (more on why I refuse to do any housework once the kids are in bed in a later post)!

I hear a lot of opinions about how parents who complain about never getting a break shouldn't be parents. "You chose to bring a child into this world, you don't get to pick and choose when to raise it. Be a parent," is my favorite. Things like this are mostly said by assholes who don't even have kids, and probably never will with an attitude like that. Of course we need breaks! Kids are needy, whiny, loud, messy, stubborn (and don't forget sticky!) little people who need our constant attention...it is draining! So parents, ignore the know-it-all assholes, go out without the kids, and fill up your tank. Your family will thank you.