When you're a parent, it's difficult to get a minute to yourself—nevermind find the time to really relax and put your feet up. So when that rare opportunity does come around, you have to make the most of it, even if it means swimming in a storm.
One mom, Ash Cometti, showed how to make the most of a child-free vacation in a clip she posted on TikTok. In the video, she's in an idyllic-looking tropical pool in Fiji, enjoying a cocktail and ignoring the pouring rain.
"POV: You organised care for your two kids, sorted annual leave and spent your life savings on a five-day holiday in Fiji and refuse to let something like a little monsoon ruin it," she wrote.
@ash_cometti Sunshine state of mind ☀️ #fiji #rainyseason #mumsbelike ♬ Soak up the Sun - Homegrown Peaches
Another caption reads: "Sunshine state of mind."
Commenters have applauded the woman for making the most of her vacation. One wrote: "I love this attitude! Yes, swim in the warm rain with a cocktail girl, you deserve it."
Another added: "Honestly that looks like a bunch of fun, go you!"
Someone else said: "Swimming in the rain is the best, drink in hand. You have the best time." One user added: "Never let rain or traffic ruin your plans."
Research has shown moms rarely get time to relax, which is detrimental to their mental health. A study by the U.K. health insurance company Bupa found nearly seven in 10 (69 percent) feel guilty about taking time out for themselves and almost half (49 percent) said they don't feel they deserve it. Around one in three moms (31 percent) have never spent a night away from their kids.
This mom guilt means that even when there is an opportunity to enjoy a break, a staggering 81 percent of moms opt to do household chores such as cooking, housework, or life admin rather than relaxing, believing any downtime should be used productively.
Overall, moms are feeling pressure to be "supermums," in part, because of unrealistic expectations fuelled by social media. Almost a third (31 percent ) of moms say it makes them put on a facade of coping to appear infallible. Without proper time off, however, burnout is a real risk—so taking time for yourself is key.
Newsweek has contacted the TikTok user. The story has not been verified.
If you have a parenting dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured in Newsweek.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
