I'm sorry CC I disagree,,,Mothers belong at home with the family, not in bars. My mom was never carefree or a a silly girl. Grow up.

CC, I think that if this is what you need, and it's something that you can work out with your spouse (assuming you have one), then do it. I'm not sure, though, why you need to feel that you have to defend this activity by posting about it on your blog. The reasons you mention are all good ones, yet for generations, women have managed to get the same types of outlets through activites that don't require going out to a restaurant or bar at night. My mom belonged to a Bible Study group. No alcohol was served, but otherwise, she had the same opportunities. Some women belong to book clubs. The women get together at someone's house and discuss the book, and other topics too, and they all bring something for everyone to eat. That's what my wife does. You have to do what works for you and your family, and some of that may have to do with personal budgets.

Good article.

I don't think she meant that we should all go drinking, just do whatever you do , but take sometime with your girlfriends to relieve the stress.

I agree with CC. I tell my wife to get out more often... it's good for the soul! You gals should create a local social club... register with "Shop Marlboro" and get steep discounts at Marlboro Bars.

OMG, I can't believe the ignorance....yeah welcome to the 21st century buddy!!!! We are not saying to drink until oblivion just a little wine and great conversation with great friends makes a world of difference!!! Love your blog Christine!!!!

Seriously it's ok for men to go out to games, bars, with their friends and do whatever they do but God forbid a woman with a child drinks or even gets drunk. As long as my child is being taken care of and is not being neglected, it is good for her to see that her mother has a life and friends outside the house. Welcome to 2012!!!!! If you don't agree lock your wife up in the house, she'll be happy that way.

I have read and re-read this article many times and I do not see anywhere that is advocating to go hang out in a bar. I took it as having a glass (maybe 2) of wine with friends at a restaurant or perhaps at a house over appetizers.
Feeling carefree is important. Life is much more stressful these days, especially in states like NJ, that we all need a support group and friends outside the home to balance out the constant demands.
I have belonged to several book clubs and most of them have involved serving food and wine while discussing.
I loved this article ... I do what is known as MNO (Mom's Night Out) with a group of friends every 6-8 weeks when we can manage it. We grab a bite, we relax, and we all feel better afterwards. Yup, this is 2012... deal with it.

I must have missed something. Not sure why this is controversial. I do not see any mention of going to bars in the article, not that there would be anything wrong with that. One can ask Dad to take the kids to a movie and have a glass of wine or fruity drink at home or at a friend's home. Sorry if BobDee's wife ran off with a bartender, but that does not give him the right to tell anyone else how to relieve stress.

What's wrong with women getting together with their friends? They aren't abandoning their families! For heaven's sake, can we stop with the Mommy Olympics already and the freaking competition to be the best mommy in America?

Hire a babysitter and go have a decent meal and a glass of wine with your girlfriends. Go shopping, even! No, really, it's OK. You are still a good mother even if you occasionally do something for two hours where your kids aren't the center of the universe (and to be honest, they probably get a little sick of seeing you 24/7, too.)

Yes BobDee. I clean, cook, take care of a household, do laundry, make sure my children are properly taken care of (educationally, mentally, physically, emotionally, extra activities), have a professional full time career, make quality time for my amazing husband. Does that sound silly and carefree to you? Then once in a while, when I can find one hour to have for myself, I go have a drink with my girlfriends. You know why?? BECAUSE I AM A ROCKSTAR MOM/WIFE/FRIEND/SISTER/DAUGHTER/PROFESSIONAL AND I DESERVE IT.

women have gathered together for millennia to discuss home and family. Often it was with their extended family - quilting bees, canning preserves, whatever the rhythm of seasons and life brought the Women's clubs, country clubs, PTO groups, tennis lessons, charity organizations, church fellowships, the list is endless. Women found out they were not alone in their feelings and learn from each other and became stronger, wiser women, wives, and mothers. This is actually the modern of female bonding - and it does not necessarily involve adult beverages. Female sisterhood is in our roots. Having time for onseself and friends makes for better balance so that our home lives are better. It doesn't matter what the chosen activity is - nurture your spirit so that you are whole to nurture others.

As women, the nurturing that we instinctively provide to our families gives us joy and a sense of purpose. And even though we may have husbands like BoobDee whom think we can move heaven and earth, we are only human. Female friendships, through laughter and sharing, provide some of that nurturing back. To sit with a girlfriend in a restaurant in the a.m. with eggs benedict and coffee or in the p.m. with a shared plate of nachos and a beer (Lord have mercy) Does not discredit who we are. It just means that we are smart enough to remember that our own cups need a little filling too so we can head back home feeling just as treasured as we like to make our families feel.

Jenn stop watching soaps and ellen degenerate. Where did you come up with that? Try some jerry springer and maury instead.

@ Wllian H Bonnie
If you were to correctly read Jersey Girl's comments, she stated that she does all of those things (cooking, cleaning, etc.) AS WELL AS having a professional full time career. As many of us do! Perhaps a little more attention to detail and a little less scrutinizing of other people's lives would serve you well.

lmao! You are a funny one!, But if I get "Jerry" on you, this whole page could turn into a "Girls night out"

Bonnie, save your tissues. Don't you have a squirrel to go shoot. God knows you are single and it's close to dinner time..

I would never mention shooting anything to a guy named William H. Bonnie or Bonney. Dangerous character if he's anything like his namesake.

"Ladies Night out". Some of you describe that as breakfast and coffee, book club, lunch. Ask a guy about "boys night out" or if your guy said next friday was "boys night out". What are the boys going to do?

William - I am a Vice President for a global commercial real estate company.

I say all of us moms get together and go out for a (GASP) drink! ;-)

I agree with a moms get together.. You need that time to unwind and enjoy adult company.. can talk freely and have a good time with out your children or spouse.men can down one so can women..A womans place is not always in the home. that was the 50's and 60's era.. Times have changed..they can balance a home and somewhat of a social life with females that have the same interests. its called friends..everyone has and needs one

I don't get the "Mommy's/Girl's/Granny's night out" thing. After dealing with work and all the other stresses of life, the last thing I'd want to do is hang out with a bunch of yapping, competitive, and sometimes catty women. Take that alone time and go to the gym. At least that has some benefit.

Lisa, I have 2 sisters, 1 girl cousin, and since I've become an adult, my Mom. They've been my best friends for all of my life. It would be nice to have friends outside of my family, but I haven't been that fortunate to find anyone who's worthy of being my friend. That's just the way I feel due to my experience with females. Since I have no friends, it's impossible for me to be yapping & catty with anyone.

hope it was a good time for all!

I'm a single dad, I mean full time single dad not weekend warrior single dad. If I didn't get a break to go out and have some fun it would be a more stressful home. So if the ladies go out and have fun once in a while whats the big deal?

I WISH my wife would go out more often!

Hmmm, my wife and I go out to have fun when together to blow off steam. She don't go out with her gf's and I don't go out with the guys. We both would rather do that any day.

Great article! I can't believe the ignorance some of these idiots are spewing! This is 2012 people! We're not living in the 50's anymore. There is absolutely nothing at all wrong with a mother going out with her friends once in awhile. My husband is always urging me to go out and get together with my friends! He's a realist, unlike some of you people here still stuck in the "leave it to Beaver" days. He knows that I enjoy getting together with my friends and he knows that I need it. I urge him to do the same. We all need to get out and be social. We work 40+ hours a week, come home, take care of our children, the house, then it's Friday and we're running around from practice to game to whatever it may be. We need to have a life aside from the daily hustle and bustle. Get real people, this is life in 2012. Embrace it!

Also forgot to mention that in addition to the monthly or bi-monthly Girls night out and guys night out, my husband and I get a sitter and go out from time to time just for ourselves to enjoy a meal or a show together. Nothing wrong with that! We do everything with our children, but we also know that once in awhile we need time for each other too.

Ladies night, wine, no kids...where do I sign up? ;)