Hey fellow mamas, entrepreneurs, and all-around amazing women out there! Buckle up, because it’s confession time. This summer, I did the unthinkable. I, the ringleader of this five-ring circus we call a family, the queen of schedules, the master of meltdowns, took four glorious days – OFF.
Let me rephrase that. I took four glorious days with my amazing partner, Luis, child-free. Now, before the mom guilt brigade throws rotten tomatoes, hear me out. Because in the whirlwind of summer vacation, where chaos reigns supreme and popsicle stains are a badge of honor, a little “us time” can make a world of difference.
Here’s the deal. Our crew is a wild one. We have five boys, ranging from the fearless two-year-old hurricane, Jack, to the ten-year-old walking encyclopedia, MJ. Every day is an adventure: bike rides that turn into impromptu demolition derbies, backyard science experiments (aka Mentos tossed into 2-liter bottles of Coke to make volcanic eruptions), and enough nerf gun battles to rival a historical reenactment. We wouldn’t trade it for the world (okay, maybe a slightly cleaner living room), but let’s be honest, it’s intense. And I’ve written in the past about mini breaks, how to get an hour of couple time here and there, but this year was a doozy, and I knew we could all benefit from a more relaxed Mama and Papi.
The Summer Juggle: Business, Boys, and Beach Dreams
This summer, the intensity got a little louder. My business, EverGrove, LLC, was having a banner season. Momentum was skyrocketing, clients were calling and I was juggling schedules, transitions between clients and lots of creative work, all while refereeing wrestling matches in the living room. Meanwhile, Papi, ever the superhero, was wrangling summer camp drop-offs, coordinating playdates, and teaching the finer points of both baseball and patience while holding up his super demanding full-time job. We were a well-oiled machine, but even the most efficient engines need a tune-up.
Enter the glorious idea of a “couples retreat.” Now, I get it. “Couples retreat” screams fancy spa weekend, which is lovely, but honestly wasn’t in the cards. What we needed was a simpler kind of escape: the sound of waves crashing, the feel of sand between our toes, and, most importantly, no one asking for a snack.
The Great Escape: Coconut Palms and Adult Conversations
So, we booked a room at the Coconut Palms Resort in New Smyrna Beach. Why there? Because it felt like a good fit for our “beach bum with a dash of romance” vibe. Nestled right on the coast, it promised beautiful views, easy access to the beach, and a pool perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
The moment we walked into that room – with a king-sized bed, cute little living room reading area and near full kitchen all to ourselves – was pure magic. Our first act? Turn off notifications, sink into those plush robes, and turn out the lights! I’m not joking, I think we napped more on this vacation than anything, and it was exactly what we needed. It was blissful.
Reconnecting as a Team, Not Just Parents
The rest of the days were a beautiful mix of spontaneity and relaxation. We spent hours strolling along the beach, collecting seashells and reminiscing about our pre-kid adventures. We ate snacks instead of meals, ate at restaurants where we could actually hear each other’s thoughts (a novel experience with five little chatterboxes at home) and discussed everything from upcoming business goals to my dream family vacation to Greece (with the boys of course, so it may be a while before we can make that happen!).
Here’s the thing, mamas: talking about the future, planning adventures, and simply remembering that we’re partners in this crazy journey – not just parents in a constant state of “go” – was soul-filling in a way I haven’t felt in years.
The Return of the Wild Bunch (Slightly Recharged)
We came back rejuvenated and ready to tackle the rest of summer. But, we weren’t just back to being parents. We were back as a team, a couple with a shared vision, and frankly, way more patience to handle the ever-present chaos. The boys, by the way, had an epic summer with their various “away teams” (grandparents, cousins, and Mimi). They came back with tales of fishing trips, beach adventures of their own, and endless cousin sleepovers. It was a win-win for everyone.
The Power of “Me Time” and Why Mom Guilt Can Take a Hike
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Diana, how could you leave your babies?” Here’s the truth: my boys were happy, safe, and having incredible experiences. They thrived on the focused attention from their family, just like we did with our time away. And guess what? A happy, recharged mama is a better mama. We’re more patient, more creative, and have a whole lot more love to give after a little “me time.”
Look, mom guilt is a real thing. It whispers doubts and makes us feel like anything less than constant self-sacrifice is a failure. But here’s the thing: taking care of ourselves isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Just like a plane needs regular maintenance to fly safely, we mamas need to refuel our emotional tanks to be the best versions of ourselves for our families.
So, mamas, take a breath. Take a hike (literally or figuratively). Read a book in peace. Have that margarita on the beach (without the sandcastles, of course). And if you need ideas, get help from Chelsea, our amazing guest writer who also has great advice for traveling parents who absolutely need some adult only time! Because when you come back, you’ll be a stronger, happier, and more present version of yourself. And that, my friends, is the greatest gift you can give your family.
Remember, mamas, we’re all in this together. Let’s support each other in taking that much-needed break. Now, go forth and conquer the fall!