Mom needs a "Time-out"
You know when you're flying, and the flight attendant tells you to put your oxygen mask on before you put your child's on? Well, this applies to life as well. If we don't take the time out to care for ourselves, we will run out of oxygen before we can care for our families. Here are some thoughts, ideas and places to go on the web that will give you air.
1. Did you just put your babies down for a nap? Well, maybe you need one too! Don't feel guilty about napping when your child does, especially if you have a new baby or are pregnant!
2. Taking care of your health is the best gift you can give your child. Exercise each day and eat a healthy diet filled with whole grains, berries, green vegetables and meat. A well balanced diet and a daily exercise regimen will keep you energetic and ready to take on the challenges of being a mom. Not to mention keeping your sanity. Go to Discovery Health for some more ideas on taking care of YOU.
3. Give the kids to dad once in a while and go out for a "girls night out" with some friends. See a movie or go to the mall. When my kids were very young, my friends and I even had "slumber" parties. We actually stayed the night! We pampered ourselves and had fun!
There are many ideas out there on the web for moms who stay home. Try my links page for the moms meet-up group in your area. Don't have one? Start one! Here are some other ideas for you to try:
Mom's Break Are you the crafty type? Do you like to print stuff out on your computer? Try this web page.
Pages for Children Would you like to help a terminally ill child? For those looking for volunteer ideas, this is a good one.
Time out for Mom: Articles/Ideas Parenting magazine online has some great articles/ideas for you to read and take to heart.
Whatever you decide to do, remember to take care of yourself first, then take care of your family. Remember that you can't give if your cup is empty. You need to keep it filled and give from the overflow (got that from Oprah! )
Take care!