I said, and I quote, You know what I want for Mothers Day?
I want to be LEFT ALONE.
I hadnt had a moment alone in weeks.
I needed a break.
And you do, too.
Thats why you should take a day off from parenting.
And with Mothers Day coming up, you have your perfect excuse.
You dont want flowers or jewelry with your kids initials engraved onto it this year.
(You do still want the homemade cards, thoughthose are non-negotiable.)
No, what you want is a break.
A real break, a Full Day Off.
So how do you do that?
It doesnt matter; were simply using these holidays as an excuse to gift ourselves a little self care.
Ask your parents, your siblings or your best friend for a day.
Or swap days with another single parent so they get a break, too.
Call in whatever favors you have to call in to get yourself a day.
Put it on the calendar
Like, right now.
Nothing is real until its on the family calendar; until then, its a mere wish.
Treat this like any other commitment on that calendar.
No matter how inconvenient it may seem as it approaches, you may not cross this out.
Write it in big, bold Sharpie.
Run any errands you have before you leave.
Seriously, repeat after me: My day off is NOT a day to run errands!
Errands are not a break!
Theyll be back 20 minutes later and youll be angrier than ever.
To a spa or a park or the darkest, quietest corner of the library.
Wherever you go, be gone for the whole day, from early-morning wake-up time to bedtime.
To be safe, text before you enter the house to confirm that the kids are definitely asleep.
One that has super fluffy blankets and cozy pillows and a to-die-for-comfortable mattress.
I want to watch mindless television in said bed, for hours.
Whatever show I want.
Feel free to copy that plan, which is perfect in every way.
Upon your return home, get out that Sharpie and block off your next break.
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