Our Attempt at maintaining our Social Lives as Parents

When asked about topics that you wanted me to discuss on the blog a big thing was about finding balance as parents. But let’s be honest here, this will always be a struggle no matter what life looks like. Like how DIFFICULT is it to call a babysitter...the right babysitter. Or trying to overcome the constant mom guilt that reminds us that being a mom comes first, but we also gotta turn on that wifey mode on too. Ya, know!?

Ok, so we made an attempt at a much needed date night last weekend. And when I say attempt, I mean a 2 1/2 hour attempt. And I must admit, a big part of the epic downfall was timing. Quarantine has our boys on a set daily routine. We never miss a beat, especially on the nights that Albert works. -Bath at 7pm.

-Quiet time, low lights at 8pm.

-Asleep by 9pm

So here’s were it all goes downhill.

We dropped the boys off at 6:45 PM.

BIG MISTAKE.

Even though we were able to have an amazing, childless, COVID-19 filled dinner-

the boys were MISERABLE and in need of their normal night time routine.

Bring on the mom guilt. After this glass of wine though.

It takes time to realize and accept that being a good mom and a good wife can be done. I felt mom guilt to the core before my second son was born (I’ll write about that some other time), and it has taken me until well, probably now if we’re being real, to release some of the guilt I feel when I leave sammy to nurse the baby or deal with a toddler tantrum and leave baby in the play pen. But if there’s anything I have learned since having two kids it’s that I am capable of finding a balance even in the most hectic situation. And if you’re in this stage of life (the one where you look at your spouse like,“WHO are you!?), I feel you. Kids change everything. It’s hard to figure out how to prioritize your marriage again after kids, but you’ll be thankful you did, because when the day comes that your kids have healthy and stable relationships of their own-

you’ll look back and laugh at your rushed 2 1/2 dinner dates. Hey! Gotta get em’ when you can! So go on, date your spouse. Remove yourself from the roles of mama and papa for a few hours.

And let me know if you made it out longer than us...