The #MomSneak. I’m pretty sure we’ve all done it. Back when my daughter was younger, there was no internet (hard to believe, I know) so I took to putting novels in the bathroom. I’d sneak off for a few minutes of me time, locking myself in the bathroom for 10 minutes, and read a chapter of my latest read. Nowadays, I slip away for a secret rendezvous with a new love of my life – Netflix.
Canadian moms have spoken: 95% of moms say that they had more time for themselves before motherhood, and now, over half (58%) admit to sneaking in TV “me-time” while juggling a busy schedule, with some even hiding from their kids for just a moment of peace. With moms doing it anywhere and everywhere in the neighbourhood when the kids aren’t around, sneaking is the new bingeing.
Here’s the thing. My daughter is an adult now but she and her husband live upstairs while I live in the downstairs apartment of my house. Even so, there are still times I excuse myself for a little Mommy R & R time. I have been known to take my tablet into the bathroom to take a bath and catch an episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. The warm water helps my body to relax and the laughs that Kimmy and friends give me help my soul to relax. Before hopping in the car to head to another family get-together, I’ll download an episode of Call the Midwife (I can watch them over and over again!). While my daughter and son-in-law debate what kind of music to put on, I pop in my ear buds and enjoy the ladies of Nonnatus House. The characters are so loving and giving – my heart is always uplifted.
After all, if I’m going to multi-task, one of the “tasks” might as well be something fun! So Moms, smuggle a tablet into the bathroom for a little GLOW during your morning routine, but be forewarned: distracted makeup application may result in a look as bold as one of the gorgeous ladies of the 80s. And if you find yourself overstaying your welcome in the grocery store parking lot watching The Walking Dead, don’t feel guilty. As long as the ice cream doesn’t melt, no one will know your little sneak-ret. Be the life of the party with all the pop culture knowledge you’ll accumulate sneaking—your friends will thank you for talking about something other than the kids. If anyone questions your motives, let them know that according to a recent Netflix survey moms are feeling less stressed and more refreshed and 16% even say it makes them feel like a better parent by sneaking “me-time.” And dads, don’t feel left out. We know you need a break to sneak too.
So tell me, what are YOUR favorite ways to #MomSneak (or #DadSneak)?
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