Running on Empty….

I haven’t posted in a while, but I am back! As a stay-at-home mom, I really have days when I am running off of fumes. I think that being with your kids all day, everyday is wonderful, but it can become overwhelming at times.So, what do you when you are simply worn out? (I am taking my own advice here, by the way)

• Find some time for yourself. Whether it is a brisk walk, a knitting class, or a bubble bath, find the time to spend with yourself.
• Remember why it is that you stay at home. Being a mommy is not easy and when you are at home with them 24/7 it can take a toll. Remember why you decided to be at home with your kids and what positive impact you are having on them.
• Pat yourself on the back. Being a mommy is a “thankless” job. It is your responsibility to care and nurture your kids, but everyone needs a high-five every now and then. If you have kids like mine, not only do you seldom get a “thank you”, but you get a lot of complaints. Learn how to see the value in what you are doing now and for their future and give yourself a big “pat on the back”!
• Ask for help. Now, this is the one I  have a problem with. Being a stay-at-home mom, you feel that it is your JOB to do it all. Since, I do not work outside the home, shouldn’t I be the one who does all of the household tasks and take care of all of the kids needs? This is a good way to run yourself into the ground. Yes, it is your job to complete most of the day to day household tasks, but it is okay to ask for help with the dishes, laundry, and the kids when you are exhausted or feeling a stressed.
• Take a break. Sometimes, it is okay to just let things go. Let the mopping go for another day, have a day of rest from household chores and spend that time with your family. When I am cleaning, I cannot give my kids my full attention, so instead of taking the time to clean the house from top to bottom, I can spend it playing a game or doing a puzzle with my kids.
• Make a Date… with your significant other or yourself! Find a babysitter and go on a date with your husband or boyfriend. Some days it is even good to plan a date with yourself….go for a stroll in the park, listen to some classical music, have lunch by yourself, go see a movie alone. Just do something fun away from the kids.

Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, we all have the job of being a mom first. So, an important lesson that I am learning is, “If you don’t take care of yourself, how can you take care of others”?