Let’s see. You did the laundry, dropped the boys off at Karate
and the girls at dance class, stopped at the grocery store for
a few last minute dinner items...What’s missing? As you were
taking care of everyone else all day long, did you remember to
take care of yourself? I know it can be hard to carve out space
for you, since being a mom is a full time job, but taking care
of yourself helps you have the strength and energy to keep
taking care of everyone else, from your children to the snake
your son left in the pocket of his dirty jeans.

If trying to squeeze out a few more hours a day just for you
seems impossible, why not try one of these ideas:

1. Don’t be afraid to start small. It’s better for you to take
five minutes to read the funny pages or your favorite
inspirational poem than it is to not take any time at all for
you.

2. Get up twenty or thirty minutes earlier than usual and spend
some time doing something you enjoy, such as reading the paper
while you sip your coffee or meditating. By the time the
children wake up, you will be ready to start your busy day.

3. Talk to the other moms at your children’s classes and find
out if any of them live nearby. See if several of them are
interested in forming a carpool, so you don’t have to make
every trip to drop off and pick up the kids.

4. Find another mom who has children that get along well with
your kids. Alternate babysitting services with her, so that you
each have a few hours of free time every week to go to the gym
or get your hair done. Don’t be tempted to do chores instead.
You need this time for you and you won’t feel very rested and
refreshed if you pick up the dry cleaning, do the grocery
shopping, and run the car through the car wash instead of
relaxing.

5. Delegate evening chores like setting the table, washing the
dishes, and packing the next day’s lunch. If everyone does ten
or fifteen minutes of work, you will have enough free time to
soak in the tub or read a chapter of the newest best seller.

6. If you cook all of your family’s evening meals and always
pack lunch for your children, don’t be afraid to give yourself
a break once a week. Pizza every night may be unhealthy, but an
occasional slice isn’t too unhealthy for the kids. Eating the
occasional school lunch can actually be a fun treat for
children, even if it doesn’t taste that great.

Finally, make sure your family realizes the importance of
letting you find some time for yourself. Speak with your
children about respecting your quiet time, whenever and however
you manage to fit it into your day.


About The Author: Aurelia Williams is dedicated to helping moms
maximize their time and find more time for themselves. Read
about the More Time For Moms
http://www.reallifecoaching.net/guiltfreegroup.shtml program
and find out how it can help you to carve out more time for
yourself.