This Facebook post on self-care has gone viral because it’s what all mamas need to read

Mama of three, Jentri Gilbert Nelson, posted earlier this month on Facebook about the code word she uses with her husband for when she needs some time to herself without the kids or him around. She explains how her husband goes hunting a lot and how she struggled with how often he was gone from their home at first. But they have found a way to make it work. Now when she needs some time alone she also goes “hunting” which in her case means a cozy bath, some time to read her book, or anything related to her self-care.

Honestly, it’s quite genius. And a lot of people seem to agree. Since being published her post has gathered more than 80,000 shares and 15,000 comments. In the comments you can see a lot of mamas tagging other mamas, so maybe Nelson has started a new trend without even realizing it?

The viral post reads:

“I go hunting.

This is a picture of me hunting tonight. No guns. No animals. But I assure you I am hunting.

Let me explain. When I met my husband 9 years ago, he told me that he hunted. He said that girls he dated in the past didn’t care for the amount of time he spent hunting, so he wanted to make sure I knew up front. I explained that I don’t cook and that I never want to cook. That’s a whole other story.

Since that time, we have gotten married, both graduated law school, and had three beautiful children.

I’m not going to lie, I struggled with my husband hunting so often, especially after our children came along. It was hard to be alone with the kids during dove season, deer season, duck season, and turkey season. It took us almost three years to get into a groove.

The last two years have been pretty good. We have learned to compromise. What really helps is that I started hunting. Not with him. Not actual hunting. But on the weekends, after he gets home, I tell him it’s my turn to hunt, which really means I go in the bedroom and read a book or watch TV. I go out to dinner with a girlfriend. I take one of my three babies for a date. Sometimes during the week, I’ll be exhausted. Just completely worn out from the day. I’ll come home and my husband will have supper cooked. Usually, I clean up the dishes, and we take turns with baby baths/bedtime routines.

But I have a complete pass on responsibilities when I really need it, which is usually once or twice a month. All I do is say, “I’m going hunting.” He smiles just smiles and nods. Tonight, I’m in the bath and plan to read a book and go to bed early.

There are no questions asked. He knows I need it or I wouldn’t have said it.

He cleans the dishes after he already cooked. He gives the kids a bath, reads the stories, and tucks them in. He lets me just be for the night. I think Moms often get so busy caring for their babies, husbands and homes that they don’t have time for hobbies or time to themselves.

Ladies, take the time to “hunt.” Husbands, let your wives “hunt” or “play video games” or whatever the hobby is you get to make time for while she cares for your babies. I love my husband, babies and job, but I cherish my time hunting.”

Yes mama, thank you for inspiring us!