momcation (noun) – a break from all mom duties while your significant other takes care of the children and household; ideally the break is spent doing whatever the mom wants.
4 years ago I wrote about my 20-hour momcation where I spent the night in a hotel by myself after putting the kids to bed. I drank wine and watched reality tv, then spent the next day getting pampered and going to a museum. It was wondeful and a momcation is exactly what I would love for Mother’s Day this year!
I love my kids but I’m also an introvert that cherishes alone time, which is very much in short supply when you have young children. As an introvert and someone who struggles with anxiety, depression, and insomnia, having time where I’m focused only on myself really recharges my batteries. I enjoy traveling, eating out, going to the movies, and generally doing things alone. Time by myself not only helps me relax and reflect, but I also come back a much more patient parent.
You don’t have to spend a lot (or even anything) to enjoy a momcation; here are 30+ ideas!
1) Have your significant other take the kids somewhere for the whole day and relax at home alone.
2) Explore a new neighborhood in your city. I love going on walking food tours.
3) Take a class and learn something new — calligraphy, flower arranging, weaving, salsa dancing, etc.
4) Watch a movie, especially something your significant other wouldn’t enjoy or something that makes you laugh.
5) Any type of pampering – massage, facial, mani/pedi, haircut, highlights, etc.
6) Spend the night at a hotel or airbnb. Get a glorious night of sleep all by yourself.
7) Have a girl’s night out – go to dinner, sing karaoke, go dancing!
8) Do anything in nature. Go on a hike, visit the botanical garden, fly a kite, go horseback riding.
9) Visit a body of water. Go for a swim.
10) Binge watch a tv series.
11) Have a cleaning service clean your entire house.
12) Go window shopping, thrifting, shopping of any kind.
13) Go out to a nice dinner by yourself. Try a new to you cuisine and don’t forget the dessert.
14) Check out a museum.
15) Pack yourself a picnic and spend the day at the park reading, eating, drinking wine, and feeding the birds.
16) Work out and get your endorphins going. Try something new like pole dancing or kickboxing.
17) Tour a winery or take a wine tasting class and get your wine on.
18) Go for a long drive or bike ride outside of the city.
19) Watch the sunrise or sunset.
20) Work on a hobby you haven’t had much time for — photography, drawing, playing an instrument, gardening, etc.
21) Try a new and exciting experience like trapeze!
22) Have a stylist help you clean out your closet and put together outfits.
23) Get your makeup done at Sephora or MAC and buy some new products. Then take some selfies!
24) Color an adult coloring book, preferably in nature. Treat yourself to a nice set of gel pens.
25) Take a break from social media and your phone.
26) Meet a friend for a coffee date.
27) Read an inspirational book, watch an inspirational movie, or listen to TED talks.
28) Read gossip magazines, listen to podcasts, do crossword puzzles.
29) Go see a play, musical, concert or stand-up comedy show.
30) Go to a bookstore or the library and pick out some new books.
31) Take the ultimate bath. Bubbles, champagne, candles, hair mask, face mask, music, the works.
32) Get acupuncture or other type of healing therapy.
33) Treat yourself to a beauty splurge like eyelash extensions!
34) Visit the farmer’s market and treat yourself to some flowers, fresh ingredients and cook a delicious meal.
. . . . .
What would you do on your momcation?
guest
All of these suggestions sound lovely to me! I would probably opt for a facial and massage, lunch out with a girlfriend, and maybe a little window shopping or movie. Staying at a hotel the night before would be icing on the cake!
pear / 1614 posts
I love this in theory – when my husband is alone with the kids for a long time, I come home to a disaster of a house and it stresses him out which makes me feel sad and guilty. Maybe someday.
guest
Excellent Momcation! Actually I believe no mother is this world don’t want to spend even a single minute without her child. And this is pure love. Parents love can’t be compared with anything in this world. But I will try your theory to get an experience. But I’m sure it won’t be a good practice. We should spend each and every special day with our family.
wonderful olive / 19353 posts
@shellio: Same here! I have occasional girl’s night out, which is more like dinner with the girls then actual night out, and they only last like 3-4 hours max (6pm-9pm). Even during this brief time, my hubby texts me non-stop and is inquiring when I’ll be home. It stresses me out and makes me feel guilty. While I love my GNO, I’m not completely enjoying myself because I have to constantly check my phone since he gets mad at me if I don’t respond promptly. Ugh!!! My kids are 3.5 and 1.