Photo Credit: Fun. (via Twitter)
A little while back, my husband and I heard that fun.was coming to play at the State Theatre in Portland (Maine). We were intrigued and decided we’d like to go. We love going to concerts, and the State is one of our favorite venues.
The only problem was that the concert was scheduled for October 31st. Halloween.
Oh, the dilemma. Do we ditch the kids on Halloween night for our own night of fun?
My husband didn’t seem to have a problem with it, but the mom guilt immediately crept in.
I decided to have a family dinner discussion. “You know the band that sings that song about setting the world on fire? The one that we all sing really loudly in the car? Mommy and Daddy want to see them in concert,” I started.
G immediately got excited. “Sounds like fun. Can I go too?”
“Well, no,” I said. “It’s on a school night. Actually, it’s on Halloween night.”
“Who’s going to take us trick-or-treating? Can we go trick-or-treating?”
And that’s when they pretty much told me we couldn’t go.
But, then I decided I wasn’t going to let them off that easy. Why should they take our fun. away? It’s not like we were ditching them on Christmas or something.
My husband and I explained that our neighbor, who is like another grandmother to them, would bring them trick-or-treating. They’d still be in the annual town Halloween parade with their friends. That they wouldn’t miss a thing on Halloween and probably would end up having more fun without us. Plus, Mom and Dad should be able to go out for their own fun every now and then.
They remained skeptical, but they relented a bit. Maybe it wouldn’t be the end of the world.
The next day, I heard that fun. was selling out. And we got our tickets just in time.
So now I’m looking forward to an evening out with my husband on Halloween night, enjoying fun.
My kids will survive without us. I’m pretty sure.
I’m just hoping Sandy doesn’t mess up everyone’s fun.
Have you ever ditched your kids on Halloween? Did they make you feel guilty?
You managed to balance your own desire with the desires of your kids. It’shard to make those calls sometimes, right? Good job, mama.
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Thanks, Ilene. They understand. And I think it’s important for them to know that parents can have fun too.
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All I can say is….GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!!! It is so hard to make those decisions isn’t it? Ugh. BUT I am so glad you decided to do something fun and for just you and hubby! The kids will be consumed with Halloween goodness with or with out you guys and you will ALL be able to enjoy the holiday. And like you said…it’s not Christmas or anythiing! Geesh!!
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I did take my youngest to a Halloween party yesterday, and they’ll still get to do the regular Halloween parade and trick-or-treating (weather permitting). I’m sure we’ll all have fun! Thanks for the validation.
Sounds like a win win to me Jennifer! I hope you and hubby have a great time at your concert. I love concerts, they’re so much fun! And I bet the kids will have a great time regardless…
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Thanks, Jen. We all know how to have fun!
I think as long as they still get to go trick or treating and do the Halloween thing they should be fine. I hope you have a fab time at fun.!
Thanks!
I haven’t ditched the kids on Halloween, but anytime I ditch them I feel guilty. At least they still get to go trick or treating – they’ll still have a great time.
They will. They’ll probably even get to stay out a little later too!
I think you’re right – they probably will have more fun without you (no offense!)!
I can totally relate to the whole mommy-guilt thing, but as I was often reminded when my kids were babies, I will be a better mom when my own needs are met. I can’t really ditch on Halloween, since that’s my oldest’s birthday (and my all-time favorite holiday), but I’m all for going out for a night of adult fun when I can! Have a great time!!
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No offense taken. I’m sure they will have more fun!
And you’re so right about needing to meet your own needs. Too many moms forget that part.
Have fun on Halloween!
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my “boys” are now in their 30′s and I think that they would agree with me when I say GO HAVE FUN!! your boys will be fine and would only remember this night if they DIDN’T get to go Trick or Treating!
The concert was amazing, and my kids had a ball without us. When I came home, their Halloween buckets were full! (I have a wonderful neighbor too!)
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