Mom has the best response to being called 'selfish' for having fun on vacation without her kids

Moms need to put themselves first at times to ensure their physical and mental well-being. However, some people look down upon women for prioritizing their needs. A mom faced something similar when she decided to take a girls' trip to Bali with her friends. The woman, Ashy Bines, who goes by @ashybines on Instagram, received quite a few negative comments on social media when she revealed that she was going on the trip without her family. But Bines's response encouraged moms to normalize prioritizing their own well-being.

Bines urged moms to "stop living for everyone else!" She shared that many people tell women to live a certain way, tell them what works and what doesn't work, and would also "project their own 'rules' and beliefs" onto them. She added, "If you live by their rulebook, you’ll never feel truly happy or free to just be YOU." She shared that she received several comments during her Bali trip that went along the lines of "you should be with your family, or good moms don’t leave their kids behind on a holiday." Many people also called her a "selfish mom and partner." Others wrote, "Poor Steve, having the kids to himself while you relax in Bali" and "moms shouldn’t wear that (swimwear); how embarrassing!"

Bines pointed out, "Your life choices don't need to make sense for anyone but you." She shared that her husband, Steve, was incredibly supportive and a capable and hands-on father. The mom revealed that she refused to live her life or neglect her own needs because of what others think. She continued, "I won’t put myself last or stop spending time with my friends, going on holiday, or pursuing my passions just because people label me as selfish or a bad mum." The woman shared that just because someone is a mom doesn't mean that they can't have fun, relax, spend time with friends, pursue their passion and hobbies, have a career, travel, express themselves and more.

The mom wanted her kids to see her embracing all aspects of life so that they can understand that these things are "normal, important and something they should do for themselves." She wanted her kids to "prioritize their mental health, their bodies, their energy and their relationships with partners, friends and anyone else who matters to them." The woman expressed that her kids should be able to explore life, the world and themselves without "guilt or shame." She went on, "So YES, I will do all of the above and have so much fun while doing it!" She expressed that she was having a great time in Bali while relaxing and reconnecting with her friends. People shared their thoughts on the incident in the comments section of the video.

@falvrstudios wrote, "The benefits of an incredible marriage and partnership. You both get fun, freedom, and self-care." @donna_motherhood.life commented, "Love that you’re embodying a full life for your kids to see!" @flossy_flu remarked, "Absolutely. What utter nonsense people say. They have some healing to do, clearly!" @baki.cats expressed, "Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."

You can follow Ashy Bines (@ashybines) on Instagram for more lifestyle content.