Being a mom nowadays is like a juggling act. I find that it is much busier than when my mom raised my two brother's and myself.I was actually looking forward to the "break" of summer because I knew that organized sports for my two son's and school was coming to end, at least for three months. We can all take a break and enjoy summer. So why now that it is here am I wondering what was I thinking?
My taxi driver hat is temporarily hung but now my entertaining hat is on full tilt. Each day starts with the question," what are we going to do today Mom?" I am lucky to be home with my kids this summer but it can be a challenge keeping everyone occupied, happy and out of trouble. Plus how do I enjoy some of that "me"time to keep myself sane?
When my kids were little I joined the YMCA. They have wonderful daycare and I was able to send my kids there worry free while I got a work out in. I was able to lose the post baby weight, enjoy some "me" time and do something healthy at the same time. Now that my kids are older(Nine and thirteen) we still go to the Y, now they can do their own workout at the weight room designed for kids; there is always a trainer or adult in there so I still can do my thing and the kids can have some fun too.
Another way to enjoy some time for yourself and keep your kids happy is swap with another mom. Find someone who has kids that have the same interests and age group as your own and trade kids. I did this for years when my children were small but it can work great with older kids as well. The kids need to get along and you need to trust the other mom but it can be a great thing. You can go and run errands or go get a haircut in peace while the kids are playing with other kids; then you need to return the favor to the other mom. I set up a swap once a week.
I also am a firm believer in getting my kids involved in whatever daily activities need to be done. Why should I do all of the chores? I have my kids help out with household chores each day. I call it clean up time. They each have a series of things that they must complete before they can go out and play or do whatever it is they want. I give them age appropriate things to do for example, picking up their rooms, taking out trash, cleaning up their bathroom. My nine year old helps out too by running "errands" for me. I might have him go get me some supplies for cleaning or have him water the outside plants.I don't expect perfection on this. The point is everyone pitches in and we get chores done faster and that leaves more time for "me" time.
Reading is a big thing for me. I love to read and realize the importance for my two boys to also partake. So another way I sqeeze in "Mommy" time is by incorporating the 15 minute reading rule. We all take a break and read something in quiet for at least 15 minutes. Who doesn't like summer reading? This encourages a little quiet time for everyone.If your kids are small and can't read on their own encourage them to simply look at the pictures of a favorite book or magazine on their own anyway. If you have older children they can read to the younger ones.
Friends are most important to me so another way to stay connected is to hang with other moms. I always feel better after a lunch out or a night out with the girls. Women need other women, it is that simple. You can compare notes and find out what other moms are doing with their lives and kids by staying connected. Get a babysitter or have your significant other watch the kids for a night or aftrernoon so you can grab a movie or dinner with a friend.
Enjoy your summer and stay sane! Don't ever let anyone make you feel bad for having some time to yourself. You'll be a better person and a better mom for it!
Kelly
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