See these happy faces? These are the faces of of a two people who have escaped from their kids....to a spa hotel a fifteen minute drive away!

First time we've spent a night away from the kids

On Friday my husband and I celebrated ten years of marriage. On this auspicious occasion we decided to take the bold step of spending the night away from the kids on a little spa break. This was a big deal for us because we've always taken the kids with us whenever we go on an overnight break....even to the most romantic city in the world Venice! https://steemit.com/health/@mummyimperfect/pregnancy-diary-22-weeks-a-romantic-city-break-for-four-and-a-half-13
The only night they have spent away from both of us is when I was giving birth to my youngest daughter last summer. Now have three kids to hand over to family to look after, and because the baby is still small, we decided to keep it quite local in case we needed to rush back some reason.....or realised we actually can't fall asleep without little people waking up to go the toilet/get into bed with us.

Ten years of marriage

For a while we weren't sure if we were actually going to make it out because my mum was going to look after the kids and she wasn't well, and the baby had an upset tummy. But everything turned out fine and I'm glad we got to escape. Ten years of marriage is a milestone and these days we are more tired and busy than we've ever been so getting facials and massages, eating indulgent food (at a relaxed pace!) and chilling together was just what we needed....even though I did find it hard to get to sleep because of the above mentioned reasons!

Looking after yourself

I think it's really important to take a break from your kids sometimes. I know a few people who say things like "I don't care about myself anymore, it's all about the kids". Personally I think as a parent you have to care about yourself too. When you look after yourself by having a mental and physical break it enables you to refresh and reset yourself. When you eat right, exercise and take some time out for yourself it's not selfish, it's sensible. You need physical and mental energy to be a good parent so looking after yourself enables you to do your job better. Children are demanding and draining at times but even a short break away from mummy or daddy duties can make you appreciate them more when you go back to them. So even if it's just sitting at a friends house sipping coffee together, or going on a break with your other half, you deserve that. A happy mummy/daddy means a happy family.

Family support

I'm lucky that my family looked after our kids so that we could have a break. The kids barely even noticed we were gone as my parents, sisters and nieces kept them busy and happy. They had a bbq and thoroughly enjoyed themselves...I actually kind of wished I was there to enjoy it with them but you can't have everything can you? A couple of weeks ago my husband and I went to the cinema and left my kids with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. The kids had a great time playing with their cousins and their pet dog, they didn't even get a chance to miss us. I know some parents do not have this kind of support network but even there is one good friend who offers to babysit your kids for a couple of hours, take her up on the offer. If there is a gym with a creche use it. Yes your baby might cry a little if they're not used to it but as long as they are in a safe place they will be OK. Don't feel guilty, just go and be you for a while and hug your kids extra tight when you go back to them.