Some people just don't understand the definition of 'Date Night'...
For any new parents, it can be difficult to have time for themselves, as a couple. But it’s vital for any parents to have one-on-one time, in order to maintain a strong and healthy relationship.
However, one woman was mom-shamed for posting on Instagram about her date night, without her kids, and the Internet was anything but supportive about it.
On a Friday night, Australian model and actress, Megan Gale, shared a photo of her quick date night with her partner, Shaun Hampson.
She originally captioned the photo: “River with his Nanna. Rosie with her Nonna. With about 10 minutes to get ready, my man and I are out for a quick dinner date. Missing our babies, but SO important for parents to have some couple time when/if they can grab it @shampson_.”
But some social media users lashed out at the innocent mother, guilt-tripping her for leaving her children. And Megan wasn’t having any of it.
The mother of two went back to edit the caption, sending her haters an important message. She also made sure to let the haters know that she’s blocking them and deleting any ignorant or judgmental comments.
First off, Megan made sure to let her audience know that her partner and she, spend a majority of their time with their kids and it’s a rarity for the couple to ever have time alone.
“IF it can be managed well, stealing an hour or two, here and there as a couple or an individual is a ‘win’ for parents.”
Megan went on to mention that her children were in good hands and were already taken care of, prior to dropping them off at the homes of the children’s’ grandmothers.
“We had left Rosie with my very experienced and capable Mum after I had bathed, dressed, fed her and put her down plus I’d expressed enough milk for two feeds just in case.”
And the couple timed their outing perfectly, catering more to the needs of their children.
Megan even explained her daughter’s eating and sleeping schedule that she planned around her and her partner’s night out.
As for her other child, she expressed how she felt when she first had her son. Basically, this was a milestone for her on how she’s progressed as a parent.
“With River, I barely left the house for the first 6 weeks, out of fear, out of guilt and I lost a little part of myself and also developed what I now feel was a mild case of postnatal depression.”
It sounds like she’s come a long way, since having her first, and she’s taking care of not only her children but for herself- which is important for anyone to do!
“If you’ve ensured your child is well looked after in your absence, then there is nothing wrong with some alone time as a couple or as an individual. You’ll be happier people for it and more importantly, better parents.”
Well done, Megan!
I think her message is perfectly explained and it’s nice to see mothers standing up for themselves.
While I personally do not have children of my own, I used to babysit other people’s children. So I am definitely familiar with parents wanting a well-deserved night out. No parent should ever be shamed for taking a little time to do something either fun or relaxing, with their spouse.