Mom-of-Three Hits Her Limit at In-Laws'—Her Decision Changes Everything
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A mom has no regrets after leaving her in-laws' lake house five days early with her three children.
Every summer, Kelly Hubbell (@mysagehaus) and her three children—6, 4 and 2—make the long trek from Portland, Oregon, to her husband's family's lake house in Northern New York.
"It's beautiful, nostalgic, and full of people we love," Hubbell, 37, told Newsweek. "But it's also a lot; a five-hour flight, two-hour drive and a ferry."
Kelly Hubbell stares at the camera on a flight, left, with her daughter and son sitting next to her, right.
Kelly Hubbell stares at the camera on a flight, left, with her daughter and son sitting next to her, right.
@mysagehaus
In the past, Hubbell said that she tries to go with the flow and will show up with a smile on her face.
However, this summer, she reached her breaking point. She was sick, her toddler had just learned to crawl, and routines were completely off.
"And then came a six-hour BBQ on the water," Hubbell said. "With three kids going in three directions and no one else actively on duty, I was maxed out. So, we made the call to leave five days early."
Predictably, the family was surprised by the mom's swift exit. Her husband was also disappointed but, ultimately, he was supportive and understanding of Hubbell's decision.
The mom of three spoke of the invisible pressure that often comes with these annual trips.
"Like many women in a partnership, I've often felt a quiet pressure—whether internal or societal—to be the one who keeps the peace, makes things work and doesn't rock the boat," Hubbell said. "I feel a responsibility to make sure everything runs smoothly for everyone."
It is the kind of emotional labor many moms silently shoulder until, as Hubbell said, they just can't anymore.
Hubbell publicly shared her reasons for leaving the lake house early in a reel on Instagram, which has amassed thousands of views.
Many moms on the platform understood her decision, posting messages of support.
"Congrats to you for being strong enough to know your mental health matters more than societal stigma," one user wrote.
"I get it! We just returned for a family (of 20) vacation. Not just our routines … but your own space!! We love them dearly but we do things differently," another commented.
However, it also sparked fierce debate in the comments.
"Most of the harshest comments came from men, and they all carried the same message: moms should be quiet; grateful; do it all without complaint," Hubbell said. "But I won't be quiet. Because every time I speak up, more moms [message] me to say, 'Thank you for saying this out loud.'"
The experience only solidified Hubbell's commitment to her broader mission: supporting mothers before they burn out.
She is the founder and CEO of Sage Haus, a company helping families hire house managers, meal prep chefs and family assistants.
And what is Hubbell's message for other moms? "You are not failing because you need help," she said. "You are functioning in a broken system, and if something isn't working, you're allowed to say so. You're allowed to walk away. You're allowed to protect your peace."
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