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Being mommy is not glamorous at all (unless you are Demi Moire, of course), but we are proud to be called moms. We spend all day doing everything and anything to please our families, but what about time off for mommy. I struggle to get any time off. Working full-time outside of home, I don’t spend enough time with my kids as it is, but I also don’t spend any time by myself. Any time I do try to schedule time it is to do blogging and not to actually go out and enjoy myself. To my shame I have to admit, I reschedule my husband’s birthday dinner (just two of us) from February to (blank) this year.
Sarah: Twice a month I have a mom’s night out. We really don’t do much more than go out to dinner, have a few drinks and talk but it’s so nice to know to get that break. I also have an extra supportive husband who takes my daughter with him everywhere. If he needs to run errands, he always wants her to tag along with him. It’s bonding time for them and break time for me. That means I can go for a run, shop at Target by myself or just do absolutely nothing!
Mary: Yoga! I was never the type to go to a class until a few months ago, but it is the best thing I’ve done for myself in years. Peace of mind, serenity yada yada yada. Reading is also a way for me to unwind. Of course, I have to lock myself in the bathroom and all to get any peace but so worth it 😉
Mariah: I will be honest and admit that I don’t have that much time to myself where I’m not with W or working. I usually get a few hours on the weekend without little man or work and I love to go shopping and get lunch with my mom! I also get time to grocery shop but that isn’t quite the same! I need to have a mom’s night out, Sarah! That sounds like a blast!
Ghada: I am struggling too at the moment. Hubby was starting to take our 4.5 year old with him everywhere, especially when I was pregnant. But now with Miss 5 months, I seem to always have her with me. I try to create small opportunities to relax at home when she is asleep and her brother at preschool. I also enjoying going for a run, she is still with me, just in the stroller but at least I get time alone in my own head lol
Emily: I am glad that I’m not in this boat alone! Between The Texan’s work and rugby schedules there is no time left for me to sneak away. Sure, there are a few hours each day while The Boy is napping, but I can’t exactly leave him alone to have some “me time.”
I know that it is important that I have other interests and explore my hobbies more. But honestly, I don’t see the benefit of hiring a sitter so I can do whatever it is I might feel like doing. And, I prefer to not ask my parents to take The Boy unless The Texan and I are going out somewhere fun. I will admit that I am envious of Sarah, maybe I should move closer to her for inspiration!
Leila: You mean I’m supposed to have time for myself!? When I had a job – that was time to myself. In the past month that I’ve been laid off – I’ve gotten one “evening” to myself which was Saturday night and it was spent at my besties house doing my taxes! I rarely get time to myself! 🙁
Sarah: I’m telling you, if I don’t have some “me” time, everyone suffers..lol! My husband also travels a lot so sometimes it makes it difficult but I’ve built a great network of friends and we swap babysitting if needed. Not to rub it in further but I also do a girls weekend away every year. My friends are scattered all over the country so it’s the only way for us to really connect.
Leila: Oh trust me! People are suffering! LOL! I haven’t really made friends in the 9 years I’ve been in AZ (well, true friends) and I don’t have a babysitter either so it’s hard to do things for me. 🙁 I like the idea of girl weekend though!
Mariah: A girls night or weekend does sound like a blast but part of my struggle is that I miss my little man so much when I’m not with him! I think that will probably get easier as he gets older though.
Leila: I tend to feel guilty when I’m away from my kids. Another reason I don’t get “me” time.
I personally struggle to find time and opportunities. I try to ask my husband to let me do my stuff, but rarely get out before 9 pm when kids are in bed and at that point it doesn’t look like much of a time off. At the best, I get out some place with my laptop to do mor of the same – blogging. How about you?
Thank You for your valuable input, Sarah of East 9th Street, Mary of iNeed a Playdate, Lena of Way 2 Good Life, Mariah of Formula Mom, Ghada of Mama goes BAM, Emily of Nap Time is My Time, Leila of The Go To Mommy
Expecting mom? New mom? Know one?
Check out tips, tricks, and other great articles on Advice for a New Mom page
THis is a life long struggle. Once we have children, even when they are out of the house, its hard to rationalize this. Men don’t seem to need it as much as women or they are just used to taking it..not sure which. I feel renewed when I do something that is just for me. So why don’t I do it more often?
i don’t have a “me” time really but I like to chill out with the kids in the sewing room while they paint or draw ^^)
I’m not a mother, so this doesn’t entirely apply to me. But I do have a job that requires me to care for 60 college women 24/7. Never before in my life have I realized the value of carving out a little me-time just to remain sane. Now every Wednesday afternoon I leave and try to do something that is different from my normal routine. It may just be sitting in Starbucks and people watching, but it is a welcome respite from being ‘on’ all the time. – Katy
Great tips. We are wanting to start a family soon and I def. don’t want to forget “me” in the meantime.
I think it is important for everyone to take time for themselves but I think that women tend to do things for everyone else before they allow time for themselves. Whether its 15 minutes a day to just relax and read or taking time to have a nice relaxing bath once a week or monthly girls night out women need to do something special for themselves.
I have me time everyday. It is necessary for my sanity. I carve out at least an hour for me time a day!