A PSA FROM A DIVORCED MOM

Non Co-Parenting Friends. We need to talk.

We have been keeping a secret from you. Been letting it go unchecked, sometimes because of the ball in our throat that may bubble up with tears or screams. Other times because we are just so tired, so so tired, and know your intention is not unkind

But, please don’t tell a parent who’s child is going to their other parents for the day/week/weekend/whatever that they are “lucky” or that you are “jealous”. Don’t call it a vacation or a “break” or liken it to a date night or weekend away from the kids you have 100% of their lives. 

Just Don’t.

We know you’re over stimulated, over tired and desperate for a few moments alone or with adults only. We know because we have those moments too. AND those moments are entirely different than sharing custody and following a schedule that dictates when you do and do not have your child. 

Yes, it is nice to have built in breaks and “me time” and it does make the time you do have with the kids so much sweeter. But we would trade it all to not have to trade off weekends, holidays, hear about “firsts” secondhand, and miss out on and % their lives. 

— some perspective from an emotional mom on night 1 of a week-long “break” 

(oh also you deserve a break and a night/week/weekend away - just don’t envy getting it this way xx)