This post was brought to you by Yoplait. All opinions are mine.
My husband’s busiest time of the year is summer and funny enough, it’s also when the kids are home from school. I am not going to pretend it is all sunshine and happiness around here, because being a mom is hard. Period. I have never actually heard a mom say “yeah, this mom thing is soooo easy.”
Last week, two of my kids slept in my room because they were scared and honestly, I slept better with them there. That meant that I was physically with my children for 24 hours a day, all week, though. I work from home and while we took a trip to the zoo and I made time to devote to them, it is sometimes exhausting to be a work at home mom with kids who do not go to school or daycare during the summer, especially while Dad is gone on trips. How are we to do this mom thing when we are home alone with the kids all day?
Something that I have realized over the years is that as a mom, I have to find time to take care of myself. No, that doesn’t mean hopping on a plane to a spa, although if you can do that and that’s your thing, go ahead. For me, when the kids are happily playing by themselves or possibly sleeping while I am awake, I like to just recharge and enjoy the quiet.
So, how exactly, does a mom enjoy me time when she is stuck in the house with kids all day and all night? Here’s how I do it.
Let Go Of Expectations
Most moms have these huge expectations of kids that sleep through the night, people that are willing and able to baby-sit at a moment’s notice, and kids that leave you alone when you are grumpy. So, I’m here to tell you that none of that really happens.
I’m SO THANKFUL for my parents, mother-in-law, and those sweet friends who have babysat the boys when I needed them to help out. They are life savers. If you are willing and able to babysit for any mom who needs a break, please do it. Just offering could make a mom cry, I promise. Even if she says no, know that you have made her so happy.
Accept Help
With that said….if you are a mom, and someone offers to baby-sit, and you trust them, let them babysit. Even if it’s for an hour while you take a nap or go shopping. That hour will go by quickly, but it will help you refocus and recharge and be a better mom.
Get Out Of The House
I sometimes think that staying in the house with the kids is easy and leaving the house is too difficult. There will be running in Target, begging for candy or fast food, crying, or taking premature naps in the car. I have found with my kids, though, that they just need a change of scenery. I can pull out all the puzzles and games in existence, but if they aren’t feeling it, it won’t help. Sometimes a walk around the block or trip to the park changes all of our attitudes. If it’s too hot, yes, I’ve been known to head to a drive-thru just so we can listen to music and eat food that I didn’t have to cook. And if you are feeling especially brave, a trip to the zoo, grocery store, or museum can make everyone, including you, happier, as well. And if that premature nap happens in the car, just enjoy the peace.
Take A Nap
If it is at all possible, take a nap. Older ones can be quiet in their rooms for 30 minutes. Little ones can lie down with you. Make it happen if you can and by all means, do NOT feel like you have to start cleaning if the kids are taking a nap. Just relax!
Find Small Moments For Simple Joys
Sometimes, it’s the little things that bring the most peace. Small activities that don’t require a lot of preparation or cleanup can be a great way to unwind during those rare quiet moments. You might enjoy reading a few pages of a book, taking care of houseplants, making a cup of tea, or just sitting by a window watching the world outside.
For me, when I have a few minutes to myself, I like to unwind by doing something low-key, like stretching, listening to a favorite song, or even taking a quick break to play solitaire online. Simple joys like these can bring a surprising sense of calm, helping you recharge just a bit before diving back into the day.
Treat Yourself
If you find a moment where the kids are playing happily or watching Kung Fu Panda 3 for the third time this week, treat yourself to whatever it is that you love. For me, it’s reading a magazine or checking Facebook with a glass of tea or cup of coffee and a snack.
Last week, I found a new yogurt that I absolutely love. The good thing is that while the kids love yogurt, they think my yogurt is too fancy looking for them and that’s okay with me! Anytime my kids don’t try to steal my food, I’m excited!
We still have four more weeks until school starts, so I’m stocking up!
How do you enjoy “me” moments?