I'm Taking a Mom Sabbatical

Not really.

But I've thought about it.

And so has every other mom.

(Even if they don't admit it!)

And here's why:

I can go away for a night or two or maybe even a week and leave the kids with my husband.

At first it's all fun and games.

He takes them to a few parks, out to dinner, and sometimes even the pool.

They might watch a fun movie, or read some books, and he plays all kinds of games with them. 

And maybe after the first few days, things start to get a little more stressful.

But he's got this.

Why?

Because he knows that I'm coming home.

He knows he only has to last a few more days, and then he'll be back at work while I'm home doing what I always do.

His perfect world is restored.

BUT,

what if I were gone longer?

Maybe a month or two.

Now we're really talkin'!

The thing is, anyone can entertain kids for a few days, or even a week. 

And when you do all the fun stuff, you're a rock star!

But after the fun stuff wears away, and you realize McDonalds doesn't taste good after the 3rd night in a row, and your bank account is quickly depleting because all this "fun stuff" starts to get expensive, it's not so easy anymore.

This is why I say I want a sabbatical.

I want my husband, (and children), to know what being a full time mommy really is.

I want them to know that it takes Super Hero skills to make dinners that children will eat, husbands will like, and that cost under $10 for the whole family.

I want them to appreciate that it takes many a' midnight hours lying awake to try and think of new and fun things to do that won't completely throw your budget off.

I want them to experience what it's like when mom isn't there to organize the schedules and activities of the entire family.

I want to know what happens when kids are tired and whiny, dad is losing his patience, but homework, dinner, dishes and laundry all still have to get done.

And a library book is missing.

And the oldest left her lunch box at school.

And the youngest can't find her special blankie that she can't sleep without.

And the refrigerator isn't working right.

And

And

And

And I want to see how long it takes before all of them are begging me to come back!

See what I'm getting at?

And please don't think that my husband doesn't already appreciate what I do as a mom.

He does.

At least to the best of his ability.

But the thing is, no one can truly appreciate all a mom does for her family, until she isn't there to do it.

And even though I say that I would like a sabbatical, (or maybe just a month long Hawaiian vacation...), the truth is, I don't do this job for the praise or appreciation, (even though sometimes, that's nice, too!).

I do it because I love this family of mine.

And I hope, (for everyone's sake!), that they never really have to experience what it's like when I'm not there!