How to Not Feel Guilty About Leaving Your Kids for a Night Out

Parenting can feel exhausting and relentless ̵1; especially if parents reach the point where they feel burned out and unfulfilled in their parental role. You likely need a little time away once in a while to rejuvenate, regroup and keep yourself fresh, advises the Oklahoma State Department of Health. When opportunity presents itself and you have a chance to get away for a night out without the kids, have a good time without allowing guilt to ruin your evening.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make your plans for your evening out to ensure that you spend your time doing something relaxing and enjoyable. A meal out, a stroll through a museum, a movie or just chilling in a coffee shop could be options for a night out.

    • 2

      Arrange child care for your kids so they will be safe and happy while you are away. You might hire a babysitter to come to your home, ask friends to watch your children or invite extended family to spend the evening with the kids. If possible, make sure the child care you set up is an arrangement your kids will enjoy so they can anticipate the evening positively as well.

    • 3

      Tell your kids about your plans after you have the evening and child care arranged. Hype it up and get them excited for their special evening as well. Purchase special snacks for the kids for the evening, if you desire.

    • 4

      Leave your contact information with the people watching your kids so they have a way to reach you in an emergency. Keep your cell phone set to ̶0;vibrate̶1; so you can receive an important call while you̵7;re away without disturbing anyone else. Knowing that you are available to your kids in an emergency may assuage some of your guilty pangs.

    • 5

      Enjoy your time away during the evening. Make a conscious decision to focus on your activities, the conversations and the food to ensure that you enjoy it without negative thoughts about leaving your kids. Tell yourself that your kids are safe and having fun if negative thoughts intrude while you̵7;re out. Keep your self-talk positive: ̶0;I deserve this and I̵7;ll be a happier mother when I get home!̶1;

    • 6

      Reconnect with your kids when you see them next ̵1; either when you get home that evening or the next morning (if they were already sleeping when you got home). Ask them for the fun details of their evening and listen actively to hear about their adventures. Tell your kids about the fun you had as well, so they understand that parents need time away to relax.

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