That’s why I created a new holiday, for all of us over-worked, under appreciated Moms. The 5th annual “National Mom’s Night Out!” is Thursday, March 17th and it’s a guilt-free excuse for Moms to go have fun with friends. Skeptics (read: “husbands”) might argue and say, “You already have a holiday for being a Mom… It’s called Mother’s Day.” I would answer them by respectfully pointing out that although we do celebrate being Moms on Mother’s Day, we do so as a family. We go out to brunch with our kids or see a movie (probably a cartoon) with our children. This is all well and good, but nowhere on that day do we get a chance to recharge and reconnect with who we are besides being a Mom. National Mom’s Night Out is an opportunity to have us reclaim a bit of our pre-motherhood identity. It affords us the chance to take off our sweat pants and strap on some sexy heels and go have a good time. (Perhaps trade in our baby bottles for a wine bottle for at least one night)

Although the third Thursday in March is the official “National Mom’s Night Out” I am hoping that Moms across the country carve out time for themselves on a more frequent basis. We need to land somewhere near the top of our own “To-Do” lists to ensure we are recharging our spirit. Making time for yourself may seem selfish, but taking care of number one makes it possible for you to take care of the rest of your family more effectively.

So, set the laundry aside and leave money out for your kids to order pizza and call your friends for National Mom’s Night Out: Thursday, March 17th!

Thursday, March 18th

Ideas of things to do with girlfriends;

• Dinner with friends: Note, real silverware is a must. There may not be a large animal dressed in a costume or a ball pit in sight
• Dancing: Put down the diaper bag and strap on some sexy heels and hit the dance floor
• Exercise: There’s nothing like a yoga class or some Pilates to help you de-stress
• See a play: It’s a great excuse to get out of sweat pants, throw on a dress and be entertained by someone other than Barney the Dinosaur
• Go to an art exhibit: Get your culture on!
• Spa Retreat: Get rubbed; buffed; wrapped and polished…rinse repeat
• Paint your own pottery: Unleash your inner artist
• See a concert: Let your favorite comedian or band become your escape for the night

In the spring of 2007 Rachel founded National Mom’s Night Out, an extremely successful campaign, to encourage moms to take time off from the kids and celebrate who they are besides being a mom. Rachel is the author of Bye-Bye Boardroom: Confessions From A New Breed of Stay-At-Home Moms and Mom’s Night Out: Even Inmates Get Time Off for Good Behavior.

Join us as we talk with Rachel about the upcoming MOM’S NIGHT OUT and how women are reinventing themselves!