The importance of a child-free break

Corporate to Kids - 26 Jun 19

I’m not going to sugar coat this: I LOVE a child-free break. No constant shouts of ‘Mummy, Mummy, Muuuuuuuummy.’ No need to carry bags full of snacks, to serve dinner on the ‘right’ plate or read bedtime stories about bratty kids. I am happy (ecstatic actually) to bask in the silence, get up when I want and skip bath time for a couple of nights. It takes a bit of planning, but I guarantee once you’re away, you too will be lapping up the adulthood.

Chose travel companions wisely

There’s no point leaving your children for a few days only to discover that your travel buddy is:

A) Needy;
B) Too chatty;
C) High maintenance

No, what you need above all, is someone on your level. I can’t recommend a fellow parent enough. They will appreciate the need for both fun time and quiet time. Parents are also highly likely to classify sleeping as one of the top priorities on the minibreak want list. High five to that. With regards to point B, a good chat, a moan, bucketloads of laughs are essential for your break, but so is silence. I want to be able to have quiet periods where I can read a book or have a snooze.

Pick your destination

Obviously, this is governed by time, money and optimism. What I mean by the latter, is how much you can be arsed. Getting on a plane takes time and effort, so if you would rather drive ten minutes to a local hotel or spa, do it. Personal preference and all that. My friends and I have been selective over the years with the location, but we have one aim: sunshine. That, my friends, requires a flight. Once we arrive at our hotel, we are totally on the same page. Briefly unpack and then sunbed, sunbed, sunbed. Maybe a swim and definitely cocktails.

Childcare planning

Without childcare, there is no minibreak. Planning and preparation are key. Make sure the shop is done, and the fridge is full. If you have very young children, then you may need to write ridiculously long lists about nap times, meals for the kids and routine. Whatever you need to write down, suck it up as if your life depended on it. You’ll thank me when you are lazing on the sun lounger, and no one is bothering you because they can’t find the youngest’s favourite cuddly toy.

Switch off your phone

Well, you won’t because you’re a parent and you worry. My point is, try and check it less than usual. It’s not vital that you post a photo of every Mojito. You’re not working; you are not looking after your kids; you are having ‘you’ time. Don’t bloody waste it. I’m no saint when it comes to this advice, but I do try to limit my Instagram usage and email checks, so I can focus on reading my book (and the cocktail menu obvs).

Find the old ‘you.’

When I travel, I am transported back to my old, pre-children days. It’s not that I don’t want to be a parent, but for a few days and nights, I do want to ditch my responsibilities, routine and daily chores. I want to dance on tables, drink a cold beer and play every minute spontaneously because I can. It’s healthy to shed the parent coat and revert to the carefree person you once were. Do it while you can, because once you walk through your front door, you will be straight back into a structured world where you don’t come first (I am aware I sound VERY spoilt here).

It’s healthy to have a break from your children. Remember before you were a parent and you craved a holiday to have a break from work and everyday life? It’s no different. It’s important to have a change and focus on your happiness. It doesn’t mean you don’t love your children; it just means you have a life. Look at this way, someone responsible is looking after the children, and when you get back, you’ll be more like that perfect parent you see in the films. That will be you. For about ten minutes.

Corporate to Kids

Who: Sarah - Queen of self-deprecation Job: from corporate HR career to Mum, Writer and Blogger Children: two boys with a 13 month age gap!! Obsessions: writing, Haribos, rainbows, coffee, fizz

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