Mom Needs A Timeout Too

Written by Cherylann Bellavia

Do you ever find yourself craving some “me” time?  Ever wish that every time you walk into the bathroom there wasn’t an extra set of feet following you? Have you experienced that pounding from the other side of the door and someone yelling,  “Mom! Are you in there?”

I can remember longing for the times when my kids would be watching a movie and I could sneak into the bathroom and read an entire article by myself, uninterrupted.  Back then those times were few and far between.

Now my kids are now 19 and 21.  I still see reflections of my old self in my every day travels. I see Moms looking tired, waiting for that break when they can look at a magazine, talk to other moms, exercise, go shopping or take a walk or close their eyes for a quick power nap.

When I owned my own music studio in Rochester, NY I remember moms coming in my office in tears. They’d tell me how they just wanted to have a conversation with other moms to see if they’re doing this parenting thing right. Some would say that they had forgotten who they were or their marriages have become routine. Their lives were a long list of “To Do’s”. Yes, the piano teacher does act as a therapist sometimes.  I actually thought about putting a sign on my door that said, “The Doctor Is In”.

Realistically though, let’s face it, we are not Wonder Woman or Supermom, no matter how together we think we are. I fear that what we have happening today is  a “mommy burnout” and that frightens me.  So, I’ve put together some suggestions to help you endure and survive those seemingly endless days of energy draining, sticky fingered, peanut-butter-smelling adorable little angels that we know we could not live without:

1. Take 15 minutes out of your day to spend with God & breathe! Find a quiet place with a devotional book and your Bible and read a psalm. Pray for your day.  Ask God to order your steps today, to bless and protect your children and husband and tell Him anything else that’s on your mind.   This may mean that you have to get up a few minutes earlier than your children but I can tell you for sure that this will make a huge difference in how your day goes and how you feel.
2. Ask your self this very important question:  “Am I taking care of myself?” If you’re like most Moms, the answer is no.  Running through the grocery store does not constitute exercise and eating a Pop-Tart may sound like a good idea but it isn’t the most nutritious meal choice.  Get out and walk, join a gym, hit the treadmill while watching Joyce Meyer or reading a book! No one else is going to do this for you.  You have to make your health a priority.
3. Re-evaluate your schedule. Are you constantly running?  Are your kids overbooked?  The key word here is balance. One or two activities is better than five or six.
4. Arrange a date night for you and your hubby — yes, a real date. This means finding a sitter, neighbor or friend to watch the kids.  Date nights do no have to cost a lot.  Go to a pizza place or grab an ice cream and walk along the pier or beach.  Spend time being a couple again.

You are a vital part of your kids lives.  You play a huge role in determining who they are, what they learn and who they will become.  If you’re healthy, they will be too. If you’re spiritually, emotionally and mentally fit, you will have more to give to them and to your husband too.

Life is short and time is precious. Each day is a gift. Stop and see the goodness of God all around you in the most precious gifts you have – your family.

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