• I love my kids, but I also need time for myself without them. • I don't feel guilty about taking time away from them, and when I'm back, I'm a better parent. • Time away from them gives me space to remember who I am beyond a mom.

I packed my bag, kissed the kids goodbye, and skipped out the door, not out of neglect, but necessity.

I was off for a weekend of no kids, no bedtime stories, and no reapplying sunscreen on wriggly bodies. We sat in lounge chairs, read books, drank bottomless cocktails, and didn't check the time or see if anyone needed to eat to avoid a meltdown.

We were somewhere with a pool, a beach, and lots of other children enjoying themselves. At one point, watching a family play in the pool, I wondered if I should've felt guilty that I hadn't brought my kids away w

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