I felt guilty leaving my kids for a long weekend trip. It helped me be a better mom.

The author decided to take a long weekend trip without her kids.

Courtesy of Jamie Davis Smith

• My life became too stressful, and I was burning out as a mother.
• I decided to book a solo trip to the Caribbean and left my kids behind.
• I was worried my family would fall apart without me, but my trip was great for all of us.

Like many mothers, I often feel as though my family couldn't survive without me.

I have four children who rely on me to make sure there is milk in the refrigerator...