Do you remember those moments leading up to the birth of your child. When you were so anxious to meet that little person who you just knew was going to make your life complete. And don’t get me wrong - they totally did. But it changed your world. It made simple tasks in life (like say showering and brushing your teeth) difficult. And all of a sudden you found yourself longing for time alone again.
| Credit: Everydaypeoplecartoons.com |
Well, I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. That desperation to have 5 minutes to yourself. So I decided to share with you my top 5 tips to getting a little “me” time when you have children.
Tip #1: Schedule trips to the grocery store when you have someone to keep the kids. I never would have imagined that the grocery store would become my place of solace. I’m sure the clerks wonder why I have such a big grin on my face every time they see me. It is because this is my version of a night out. Did you know that most grocery stores have a Starbucks INSIDE them now? Seriously, it’s heaven to grab that cup of coffee and stroll up and down the isles. Be sure to schedule at least an hour into your daily routine for this much needed trip. It’s easily justified too! The family has to eat after all - BONUS!
Tip #2: Exercise Outside - Even in extreme conditions. Ya’ll know I live in the mountains and it gets pretty darn cold in the winter. That’s OK though. At 6 PM each night, you will see me walking the mountains whether it is raining, snowing or sunny. Actually, I prefer rain or snow because then I can’t be guilted into bringing the kids with me. Nope, they might get sick. Instead I’m out there freezing my rear off but loving every minute of it - cause 20 degrees below zero or not - it’s mama time!
Tip #2: If you have more than one child, schedule nap times together. I used to fall into the trap that this was the only time I could be one on one with either of the kids. NOPE! For your own sanity, that one on one time is over rated. So what if my kids are 8 years apart - you’re NEVER too old for a nap! This can be helped along with benadryl, bribery and a number of other options. Don’t worry - they will be sure to stay up half the night to make up for the extra sleep they got but you’ll be able to deal with it then - after your nice two hour break.
Tip #4: When friends and family offer to keep your kids, let them. Don’t wonder if they really want to do it. They don’t. But that’s OK. They offered so quickly say yes before they have time to change their mind. Don’t worry that Jr might misbehave while you are out. It’s expected. And it will make them a lot more sympathetic to what you do daily (hopefully leading to more offers of free babysitting). Yes, leave a number where you can be reached. No, do not call and check up on them 10 times so that you can easily be guilted into coming back home. Anything less than a trip to the hospital is solvable for almost any capable adult.
Tip #5: Insist on a solo trip to the mall once per clothing season. No, you will probably not be buying yourself a new wardrobe - after all, sweats and tees last forever. But you can justify the need to get your rapidly growing child some new clothing. While you’re out, visit every store around and do lots of sitting on those comfy little couches they have. If your hubby gives you any problem about leaving the kids at home, take him with you one time. A single trip to the mall with the kids is all it will take to terrify him. Then insist that if the kids go, he goes too. You’ll be on your way to a solo shopping trip in no time!
No matter what activity you find or what excuse you use, make time for mama! Because we all know if mama isn’t happy, the rest of the family isn’t happy. And your sanity is important. Trust me, your children and your spouse will survive without you for a few hours. So get those engines running, find the best way to escape and go! Me, I’m off to walk in the rain. Cause it’s Mama Time!
This is a great post. The grocery is a great one, I used to think we should all go as a family, but it's so nice to go it alone and much easier! I save up my magazines that I get in the mail and take a bubble bath in the evening when my husbands home while he plays with the boys.
You can also start couponing, like with a big ole binder, and the family will be too embarrassed to go shopping with you. LOL
Five minutes is a little bit of heaven. Great list.
Tip number two made me laugh hard LOL…Nope might get sick 🙂 I can relate seems all my moments are stolen between nap times and I feel like i"m always running and never breaking ugh
Great post!
This is a great list. I remember w/baby #1, getting away to the mall was such a treat. I'd leave the house never wanting to come back, but after a couple of hours alone, I was ready to see my sweet daughter again. Now that baby #2 is on the way, I'm gonna have to be diligent in making sure I get some downtime.
Hahaha! I love this post!! So funny and so true. 🙂 I'm especially guilty of the walking outside in cold weather one. I actually thought I dreamed that one up! Apparently I'm not the first to think of it! 🙂
Love this!
Yes, Mama time is important!!!
I love #2 as well! I will go for a run at 7:30am when my husband and son are getting up just so I can BE ALONE!!!!
metimelover says
Awesome post! Like everyone else, I love #2 and think it’s a sign if you are willing to run in the rain just to get away for a few minutes. I feel your pain but can’t always escape so I try to build ‘me time’ into daily activities. For example I will set my son up with some toys and a movie, slip on my headphones, and read or get on the internet. I have noise-cancelling headphones and my son is much less likely to try and bother me when it requires so much effort. I use the internet to check out blogs like yours, get parenting advice, and watch TV. I know it sounds weird but I heard about DISH Online from a coworker at DISH and was hooked as soon as I tried it out. It has movies and shows on demand and it lets me stay in the same room as my son while we each watch two different things. It’s great and helps me keep my sanity without running in the rain.