You are a great mommy, and you love your kids more than anything in the world. But sometimes, you just need to do something for yourself.
For many mothers, this involves enjoying a date night with their partner or an evening out with their girlfriends. However, for others, especially those with young children, mom guilt often prevents them from doing so.
As well as sleep and sustenance, every new mother needs social interaction. Without it, they are at a greater risk of post-natal depression and declining health. And that is not good for you or your little one(s)!
So with that in mind, you should get yourself mentally and physically ready to spend a night out after having kids.
Tips to enjoy your night out
Before we outline a list of places you can go, if you are feeling anxious or guilty about going out without your child(ren), here are some tips to make the experience a little less stressful.
1. Have a family member or trusted friend babysit for you
This will give you the confidence that your offspring are with people who love and care for them. If they have raised children of their own, then all the better.
2. Don’t go out for too long
On the first few occasions, you go out without your children less is certainly more when it comes to time.
The last thing your partner or friends will want to see is you constantly clock-watching.
Therefore, it is important to focus on the quality of time instead of quantity. That way you will enjoy a much more pleasurable experience. You also won’t feel guilty about leaving your children for too long with whoever is looking after them.
3. Make sure you are easily contactable
Fully charge your phone before leaving the house and have it on you at all times in case your babysitter needs to contact you. It is also worth giving your babysitter the phone number of other people you will be out with, just in case you can’t be reached.
4. Get a progress report throughout the night
The best way to avoid worrying about the kids is to get a progress report from the babysitter.
Don’t underestimate how uplifting a message like ‘they ate all their dinner’, or ‘they are dancing to The Wiggles’ will be to you during your night out. You can also speak to your little ones on the phone to reassure them you love them and hope they are having a great time. But only do this once during your time out.
5. Try and ensure the kids are feeling well
It shouldn’t be a deal breaker if the kids are ill – particularly if their grandparents or a loving uncle or aunt are looking after them. However, you will have a much better time if you go out when they are feeling in good health.
Places to go out
Here are five ideas you should consider.
1. Dancing
Remember the days you used to hit the club and dance to the wee small hours of the morning?
Whilst you can’t necessarily do that with young kids, there is no reason why dancing should be off the table now that you are a mommy.
You can give your booty a good old shake at salsa, hip-hop, jazz or swing classes. Alternatively, you can try something more elegant like ballroom dancing.
These only last a couple of hours, but as well as being lots of fun, they are also terrific forms of exercise.
2. Trivia Night
A trivia night at your local pub is a very good idea for your first night out.
Not only will be it close to home should you need to rush back for the kids, but you also get to engage your brain and can even have a cheeky drink too!
3. Wine and Painting
Wine and painting classes are a lovely way to spend an evening.
You can enjoy some delicious drops of wine while creating your very own masterpiece on a canvas.
Often there is food available at them too, and there are plenty of other like-minded people you can engage with.
4. Couples sauna and massage
Motherhood can be very tiring and stressful. So for a wonderful first night, why not consider a couple’s sauna and massage?
A fantastic way to switch off, unwind and recharge your batteries, you get to spend some quality time with the one you love whilst being pampered and re-energized.
Many infrared saunas are equipped with Bluetooth. So you will be able to listen to music whilst you relax.
5. Go to a comedy club
If it is true that laughter is the best medicine, then why not head to a comedy club?
You’ll benefit immensely from a healthy dose of big-belly laughing.
Not only will it boost your mood and reduce stress, but it will also alleviate any pain you may be feeling and generally enhance your immune system.
You will also have plenty of jokes up your sleeve to relate to your friends in the subsequent days after your visit.
Alternative Options
If you really can’t face the thought of going out, then why not have a date night at home?
You can still get a babysitter in to allow you to enjoy some quality time with your friends or partner – just remain in one room in the house, like the formal dining room or living room.
To make it that little bit more special, you can even hire caterers like Gathar to provide you with a gourmet range of gastronomic delights.
Final Thought
The thought of leaving your children at home while you go for a night out might riddle you with guilt and angst, it is important to do so.
Not only will it provide you with a break from the responsibilities of motherhood, but it will also refresh and reinvigorate your soul.
And at the end of the day, your children can only benefit from that.
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