A vacation for parents, the real vacation for parents. Sounds like an oxymoron but you heard it right it is not an oxymoron at all. A child free vacation for parents is a must for the well-being of parents.
We all love our children and do every possible thing for their well-being and upbringing. We love to cook meals, take care, spend quality time, etc.
But at the same time, Parenting seems like a tough job, a never-ending responsibility and that’s why we need some space for ourselves.
Have you ever realized that any kind of job comes with a leave, weekends, and wonderful vacation? So, why not parenting?
After all, it is the toughest job ever. Each day comes with new challenges and new problems.
This is not a selfish thought and will never be. I believe that every parent needs a break. A child free vacation for parents is a blessing for them, as you can be free from the duty of parenting too.
Well, In our society it is not so acceptable but still I could say that if you give yourself a child free vacation once in a while you can see the positive effect of it.
Romantic Break
After a child’s birth, both parents feel the stress of their child’s upbringing. They both have their own role to play in parenting and cannot spare time for each other.
Many times mothers also suffer from mild depression or postpartum depression after childbirth. Here a mother feels not by herself and needs the help of loved ones.
Some mothers find it tough to get out of postpartum depression which runs for years and sometimes leaves its impression. A Mini vacation gives a mother time to heal and prepare for further child care responsibilities and upbringing.Â
Related-Â Postpartum Depression- a Dark Phase for Mom
A child free vacation can give them a break from their routine and have space to spend time with each other.
You can consider it as a romantic break as you and your partner need this break after a period of parenting duty.
A romantic vacation with your partner is the ‘need’ for both you and your partner.
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Challenges in child free vacation for parents
It looks glorious when you think about the child free vacation but it comes with lots of challenges and the challenges are coming from within you.
This means the boundaries we have built around us create these challenges.
Here I’m talking about the challenges that you may face if you are trying to plan a child free vacation and also try to give solution for that.
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Guilt and worry
What is the first thing you have in your mind when you are about to leave your child?
First You feel worry for your child as you continue to be concerned for them. it happens when for any reason you leave your child with a caregiver for the first time.
Then you feel that physically you are at another place but at the same time mentally you are with your child.
The thought of your child is constantly running in your mind. Whether they have eaten, do they sleep well without you, what they doing, whether they are okay or not, etc, etc…
If you are unavailable for a long time you also feel guilty for leaving them with others and not being there.
There are thoughts like I’m not a good mother or I am not able to take proper care of my child. These thoughts are endless and never stop.
These thoughts do not come to only mothers but the father also faces difficulties and feels worried and guilty for leaving their child alone with someone.
Being worried and guilty for leaving your child is obvious for parents, Especially when you are doing things for yourself these feelings are going strong.
But wait, here is a reminder for yourself.
Have you heard about me-time or downtime?
Downtime or me-time is the key to Happy Parenting
You can consider a romantic vacation with your partner as a downtime for both of you. You can embrace yourself and take a break for yourself.
This child free vacation will give you time and space to rejuvenate you as well as your relationship with your partner.
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Being judgedÂ
Our societal norms are being set in such a way that we feel judged for leaving children with someone and enjoying the vacation. Partially the fear is real but here you have to be strong enough to make yourself believe that this is also a part of happy parenting.
Because you can not give enough energy to your parenting until you own it.
You should also focus on your mental well-being and health. to take care of ourselves is also a part of conscious parenting.
To fill yourself with energy have to take care of yourself first, you have to prioritize your needs whether it is for extra sleep, a day off, or a child free vacation.
Without the fear of being judged or guilty for your parenting.
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Hard wired belief
We are being emotionally hard wired that after being a parent our first job is to be a parent all the time. You can never take a day off from parenting and there is no switching off for parenting.
In a way it is true, we can not switch off that parenting but taking a break is not a bad thing.
It is worthy to take a vacation without kids, without responsibility as it is for ours well-being.
The constant load of family responsibility, work, and finance, drains out a person. These are just an example of the responsibilities but there are many others and the list is much bigger.
Taking a child-free vacation leaves a deep impression on your mind and body. Traveling itself have its own benefits and when you travel child care free will give you more freedom to explore not only the destination but also yourself.
A day, a week or a fortnight whatever it is.
When you spend your vacation without worry or guilt you break that hard wiring of the beliefs you have set in your mind.
This hard wiring is there because of our upbringing, and because society has told us to do so.
There is nothing wrong in taking care of ourselves even if you are becoming a parent.Â
Remember first you are a person and then a parent. If you don’t give enough attention to your needs and well-being you can not able to give your 100% to your children.
It is also important to teach children about self-love. When you prioritize yourself in a particular way children will automatically learn how and when to prioritize their own need. This learning is life-saving for them in the upcoming years when they grow up.
To leave that hard-wired belief you have to be strong enough to choose a different path from others which you will never regret.
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Change the perspective of parenting –
We are living in a digital era where we can be in touch with anyone through technology and it is a blessing for you, parents. You can be in touch with your children even if you are miles away.
In the beginning, it sounds difficult but when you know how to deal with all these you find yourself soothed and experience the benefit of child free vacation.
Here, the technology helps you in many ways. You keep each update of your child with the help of tools like GPS tracking devices, wearable gadgets, smart home systems, and messaging apps.
You can be constantly in touch with your child when you are away from them.
You can also ask for help to take care of your child from your family member or friend circle whom you can count on.
You can keep track of your children everything you need. You have to just update yourself to use the new technologies that help you through traveling.
With the help of technology, it would be easier for parents to travel and go for a vacation. For parents technology seems like a blessing.
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Conclusion
We all talking about quality time with children, family time, child care, parenting, etc. But we ignore the most important thing and that is parent’s well-being, their mental and physical health, and the struggle that they face on a regular basis.
Even as a parent we also forget to remember ourselves and ignore ourselves. Take the first step to prioritize yourself and change your perspective towards parenting.
Start to follow conscious parenting where you start to focus on yourself, your behavior, and your reactions, Where you see the importance of your well-being along with your children.
If you find this article helpful please share your thoughts in the comment section, Your words mean to us and share this article with parents who need to read this and take your child free vacation for yourself.
Happy ParentingÂ
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like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks.
Great article! I really appreciate the clear and detailed insights you’ve provided on this topic. It’s always refreshing to read content that breaks things down so well, making it easy for readers to grasp even complex ideas. I also found the practical tips you’ve shared to be very helpful. Looking forward to more informative posts like this! Keep up the good work! YouTube Downloader Online
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad to hear that the article resonated with you and provided helpful insights. It’s always my goal to break down concepts in a way that’s easy to understand while offering practical tips that can be applied in real life. I truly appreciate your feedback and encouragement. I look forward to sharing more content in the future!