These days, a night out with the girls looks a little different. Dinner has to be scheduled post bedtime (#sorrynotsorry), conversation usually makes its way back to sleep training, and that old little black dress is tighter than I care to admit. I’m proud to say after surviving my first year of motherhood, I’ve made more of a conscious effort to plan nights out with my girlfriends. Mexican food is always involved and after one margarita I usually don’t even remember where my kid is (fear not, he’s tucked in his crib under a watchful eye).
So you ask, what’s really happening at those rather long, wine induced gab sessions with my gals? Let me break it down, because I know you’re looking for a new angle to work with your spouse to better explain why girl’s night out is MANDATORY and they better let you outta this house now. Here’s your newest ammunition mamas, get ready to lock and load.
After a few days (weeks, months, years) of eating your kid’s stale goldfish, half eaten macaroni, and cold chicken nuggets you’re probably ready for the Gold Fish Detox. I’m not a doctor or a nutritionist, but I can assure you that eating an unmentionable number of calories without being interrupted fifteen times can be life changing. Feel free to eat (Torchy’s queso, anyone?) or drink (no judgment here) those calories at your leisure without having to share your food with a hangry child or run from the restaurant with a toddler in meltdown mode. Feeling creative? Tell your husband the lady doctor prescribed this special detox. I’ve found that any mention of “the lady doctor” results in little to no questioning.
While we’re on the topic of food, I can say from experience that some good, uninterrupted mom talk feeds the soul. Grace is something we don’t give ourselves a lot of. We want the best for our kids and often feel guilty over each snapping comment, movie zombie day, or public tantrum. But when we take the time to really talk with other moms about their worries something amazing happens. We feel a comradery that comes with raising kids and it helps to ease those things that keep us up at night. We are in this together mamas! So go get ya some Soul Food and pour me another glass of moscato while you’re at it.
I can’t tell you how educational our mom night out conversations can be. But I’ll try. How do you get your baby to sleep? Miracle swaddle. Your toddler is eating actual food, how? Start slow and be patient. Let’s just say your demanding boss (A.K.A. your two year old) has assigned some stringent Professional Development, so grab a pen and take some notes! Sharing secrets to all of the little things we do to make our children happier and our lives run smoothly, gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. What works for one kiddo may not work for another, but just knowing another mom is facing a similar struggle and found a solution provides a little hope. A small slice of hope is what’s getting us through the daily challenges of motherhood.
Do yourself a favor, send your girlfriends a group text and plan a moms’ night out. Stop talking about how you should get together and put something on the calendar. We’re all rushing from one thing to the next, but let’s slow down time and get together — I know I need it, don’t you?
If you’re looking to make new mommy friends at a girls’ night out in the Dallas area join our fun event, Mommy Speed Dating, taking place at Lakewood Brewing on June 30th.
