Checking out as a parent…
Happy Birthday to me!
Yep, another revolution around the sun is complete! Unlike many people I didn’t want gifts or a party with a bunch of friends, this year I just wanted some time alone. So I did the only logical thing and dragged our caravan 350km back to Brisbane so I could do just that.
Whilst I love the life I live with Jaiden, spending 24/7/365 with him can get rather draining. Like most kids he’s incredibly inquisitive and his relentless questions never ever end and of late I’d have a few days where I really just wanted to check out of parenting for a while. Not because I don’t enjoy the time we spend together, but rather because it’s very easy as a full time solo parent to feel like your life entirely revolves around parenting and over time you lose your sense of self, forgetting that you are in fact a person outside of the role as a parent. It’s been years since I’ve had a day, hell, even an hour to myself, so I feel like I have earned some time out.
Being kid free has given me a lot of time to sit and think about my life, goals and how I can better allow myself more “me time” which will not only make me happier, but also make me a better parent and less likely to have days where I want nothing more than my own company.
Whilst I thought I’d spend the time totally lost, it’s been great to spend some time doing exactly what I want, when I want, without the need to justify it or explain it to Jaiden. A friend sent a birthday gift to my bank account so I treated myself to breakfast and enjoyed some awesome tunes from Jax Haze, checked out the Redcliffe Jetty Markets, walked along the water, found a shipwreck that I never knew existed, had a swim, watched the world go by and just chilled.
Not gonna lie, I already miss having Jaiden around but I also know how much I needed this time to myself, so thank you to Mum and Carly for making it happen.
Now I am off for an afternoon walk and find somewhere to get some dinner, because if I am going to check out of being a responsible parent, I may as well do it properly!