Sometimes when you're hanging out with your kids, thosebright smiles and impossibly cute comments can keep you energized for hours.It's one of the greatest joys of being a mother, watching Tatiana or Pavelbounce gleefully from a make-believe game to a silly song to a deeply seriousconversation about the merits of lime gelatin.
On the flip side, a child's energy level can also be a bitoverwhelming, especially on a day when you're faced with one of those toughgrown-up decisions. The question is, when you're feeling stretched, how do youfind the stamina to hide and seek one more time?
Start by being more realistic. If you find yourself laggingsome Sunday afternoon, it's OK to redirect your child's attention to a veryimportant coloring project. You'll help anchor your own swirling thoughts andhelp your child develop self-motivation.
Other times, motherhood may test your emotional strength. IfPavel's football breaks your favorite lamp, or Tatiana's chocolate milk spillsall over your new sofa, it's hard to take!
That's why in some homes, a no-questions-asked policy allowseither parent to call for "back up" whenever needed. At the very least, get onthe phone and talk it out with someone who knows how to listen.
When it's all said and done, however, you may find yourstrength as a parent grows out of your strength as a person. Pursuing yourinterests outside of motherhood is a key way to build your stamina. Fromenjoying a beloved hobby to getting involved in the Town Council, expandingyour inner world will help build the reserves you need to keep climbing up thatwater spout.
What gives you the strength to be a mom? Does exercise help?Who do you look to for advice duringchallenging moments? Do you have a "trade-off" system with someone you trust?What ways do your kids test your limits? We want to know!
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Comments: 4
I am also working on another degree, so I am pretty busy as a person, and a mom.
As for a super-fast recharge, I'll hide in the bathroom and just sit there through a song on my iPod. Usually whatever is eating at me disappears with that little break. Naptime is still essential for mommy, whether or not my children sleep, they go into their rooms to sleep and/or play quietly for at least an hour. My 3-year old is sleeping less and less, but he seems to enjoy the quiet time in the afternoon, and I desperately need the time to get some work done.
I've also let stuff go. It's just not necessary to keep my home spotless. Before bedtime I make sure the trafficked areas are free of painful toys in case I need to run downstairs for a drink or whatever else is seemingly important. I've also delegated and automated: my husband has regular chores, and we decided that with us both working and 2 small children and 3 cats, a roomba would be an excellent investment. I also use automatic shower cleaners and the toilet tablets that keep your toilet clean for 3 months at a time.
And finally, when we just need a break - put your take-out and delivery places in your phone's speed dial!
we also have a code phrase, for us it is flight 29 down (after the kids tv show in discover kids) - where we all have to step back, leave the room if we're at someone else's house, and go calm down together. it works!!