The Seven Stages of Going on Your First Trip Away from the Kids

Re-posting this in honor of my current business trip in New York City, where I am shooting a fun video campaign for Happy Family Superfoods…

The Seven Stages of Going on Your First Trip Away from the Kids

1.  Denial — I will be fine.  Nay, I will be ECSTATIC to get a break from the kids and have some quality time to focus on myself.  I cannot wait for my husband to step into my shoes and get a real appreciation for everything I do around here.

2.  Anger —  What the hell was I thinking, planning a trip for three days away from my babies and booking a nonrefundable plane ticket?  I can’t do this.  WHAT AN IDIOT I WAS TO EVEN CONSIDER IT.

3.  Bargaining — Okay, what if I skip the last day of filming and come home a day earlier instead?  Or figure out a way to bring the kids to the video shoot with me?   I’m sure a 21-month-old and 3-year-old won’t cause any disruption at all!

4.  Guilt — My children are going to think I’ve abandoned them.  Worse yet, my husband is going to pick out their clothes while I’m gone.  I AM THE WORST MOTHER EVER.

5.  Depression — Just thinking about the looks on their little faces when they wake up and realize I’m not there to hug them makes me want to throw up.  Ugh.  I haven’t cried this much since the Steel Magnolias/The Notebook/Terms of Endearment marathon on Lifetime last year.

6.  Acceptance — Oh well, this trip will rejuvenate me, personally and professionally.  And the free wine on-set should help numb my pain.

7.  Regret — My husband just texted me a picture of my daughter wearing a diaper cover as a hat, the wine bottles were empty by the time I got to them and somebody stole my goodie bag.  I AM NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN.