Strengthening Your Family Bond Through a Momcation
It might seem counterintuitive, but stepping away from your family can actually strengthen your relationships. Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder, and taking a short break can help you appreciate your loved ones in new ways. At the same time, it gives your family an opportunity to appreciate all that you do and grow stronger as a unit. This was a lesson I learned firsthand during my first Momcation.
The Struggle to Step Away
When I took my first Momcation, my daughters were just 4 and 5 years old. Like many moms, I was deeply entrenched in managing every detail of our household. From meal planning to organizing their clothes to coordinating activities, I was the go-to for everything. Leaving all of that behind, even for a few days, felt impossible. I worried constantly about how things would run without me.
To ease my nerves, I went into overdrive preparing for my absence. I left lists and notes, laid out outfits for each day I’d be gone, pre-made dinners, and ensured the house was spotless before I left. Despite all this planning, when I came home, I found that almost none of my instructions had been followed. My husband, instead of using the pre-made meals, relied heavily on takeout. The house wasn’t as tidy as I’d left it, and my carefully curated plans were tossed aside.
But do you know what? The house was still standing. Everyone was alive, fed, and happy. Sure, I had three nights’ worth of pre-made dinners waiting for me—a silver lining—but more importantly, I came back refreshed and with a new perspective.
What My Time Away Taught Me
Those four days away gave my husband a small but impactful glimpse into the daily demands I handle as a mother. Even with the support of my parents next door to help lighten his load, he quickly realized how much work goes into managing kids’ activities, household chores, and daily routines. It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate me before, but experiencing it firsthand deepened his understanding of my role.
Over time, this has had lasting benefits. Now, years later, my husband has a much better grasp on what needs to be done, especially as our kids have grown and their schedules have become even busier. Sharing the responsibilities more equitably has strengthened our partnership and allowed me to feel less pressure to manage everything on my own.
The Lesson for My Kids
My daughters also learned an important lesson during that first Momcation. While they missed me, they saw their mom prioritize herself for a change. This was a powerful example of self-care and boundary-setting. It taught them that taking time to recharge isn’t selfish but necessary, and it’s something I hope they carry with them as they grow older.
By stepping away, I gave my family a chance to step up. They gained a greater appreciation for everything I do, and I returned home with a clearer mind and a fuller heart, ready to dive back into the chaos with renewed energy.
Why It’s Worth It
A Momcation isn’t just about taking a break—it’s about giving yourself the space to breathe, reflect, and recharge. And when you do, your family benefits, too. They’ll learn to navigate without you for a bit, grow in their own ways, and come to value the countless ways you show up for them every day.
So, to all the moms hesitating to take that leap, let my story be your encouragement. Your family will manage, and you’ll come back stronger, happier, and more connected than ever. Sometimes stepping away is exactly what your family needs to grow closer.
QUESTION: Where do you think your spouse/partner would struggle the most while you are away?
Until next time, here’s to making time for yourself - you deserve it!
~ Jillian
#YouDeserveABreak #MotherhoodRedefined #MomsSupportingMoms #Momcations #MoreThanJustAMom
Proof of life picture sent on day 3 to mom
Outfits that matched set out before mom left
