Being a mom is a full-time job that rarely leaves moments to self-reflect, let alone paint all ten toes.
So how do we get those quiet moments to ourselves without neglecting the kids or watching our new garden turn into a construction site?
You may be shocked to hear there is a way! And it’s easier than roping your mother-in-law into taking the kids for the weekend.
Moms of all different walks of life have creatively found ways to get time alone so they can be a selfless caretaker with energy and peace of mind.
Some lock themselves in the bathroom for ten minutes a day and scroll through Facebook while little fingers pry under the door.
Other moms let dad take the kids once a week so they can get a latte and their nails done.
While time alone with dad is extremely beneficial for children, you don’t need to wait on your hubby to get a moment of reprieve.
It’s all about the little moments.
Finding short bursts of quality alone time throughout the day can keep you sane, recharge your brain after arguing with your pre-teen over appropriate attire for an hour, and give the kids the alone time they need.
Yes!
Kids need free time too where parents aren’t constantly trying to direct or teach them something.
So how do you get these tiny moments when every time you turn your back your kids are having a wrestling match over a Lego piece?
1. Don’t wait for the perfect moment
In motherhood, there is rarely a perfect time to step away – so you have to create the moment.
Put Paw Patrol on in the other room, one of the few remaining kids shows that hasn’t succumbed to the liberal laws of “diversity”, and sit with a book.
You can still hear if your kids try to change the show to Jurassic Park (why don’t they believe me that it is not a kid’s show) or if they sneak outside.
If you don’t want to use screen time, then set up a lawn chair next to an outdoor station fully equipped with bubbles, chalk, and a jump rope.
2. Make “mommy time” a priority
There will always be dishes to wash, laundry to fold, and accidents in the bathroom to clean up.
If you don’t decide to carve out time for yourself, you will not get it.
Make it a priority to find time for yourself because caring for yourself makes you able to care for your family.
Maybe you need to write it in your calendar to sit down and relax from 1:00-2:00, or make a playdate for your kids once a week where you can walk around the park alone for an hour.
Find a system that works for you and then stick to it because you are worth it!
Katie Bingham-Smith writing for Scary Mommy says:
“As a mom, these tiny moments are just about all I get. I want to be there for my three kids. I want to bring them to school. I want to be home when they are home. I want to be able to go to every game. I want to be the one they come to when they need anything. But that doesn’t mean I don’t need time for myself. I’m more than fine with getting less of it because this was my choice.”
You may not get that spa day you were hoping for any time soon but settling for an episode of your favorite show with a glass of wine or sparkling cider can still relieve just as much tension.
You’ve got this momma!
(h/t Mommy Underground)