MUM’S The Word
Children bring joy, love, and countless gifts to our lives, and between mother and child. But there are times when mothers get stressed out, sleep deprived and exhausted from their overwhelming schedule. Many mothers fear that they’re not doing a good enough job. Because each child has unique temperament traits, needs, and because children grow and change all the time, that means that mothers are constantly re-evaluating, reinventing what they’re doing, looking for new insights.
Don’t Judge Yourself:
A good mother isn’t necessarily the person who gets the most activities done in the least amount of time. Many moms get overscheduled because they feel they have to be the most efficient, most giving, most sacrificing, highest achieving, ‘best’ mother they can possibly be. Perhaps if you asked your children to define “best mom,” they would use words like available. Approachable, relaxed, loving and caring so mothers don’t get hyper-active.
Enjoy Your Children:
Most of us have children because we want to enjoy them as we help them become and remain health, loving, and fun adults. Don’t forget to thoroughly enjoy your kids throughout their lives and yours. Hug them often, tell them you love them and what you love about them, & enjoy & learn from the unique people that they are. If your childhoods have been, you can provide a better experience for your own kids, which can be a healing experience for you as well as a good one for them.
Time Is Flying:
While it can be overwhelming dealing with the temper tantrums of a toddler, and the clock can seem to stand still when you’re in the throes of potty training, realize that you’ll be amazed by how quickly time is passing by. And once it’s gone—it’s gone! Close you eyes and imagine the future you looking back on these days with nostalgia, you’ll probably find your self-working with that extra does of patience and good humors.
Stay Connected:
Motherhood changes a woman in many ways. Old friendships often change, but shouldn’t be forgotten. Keeping close with old friends helps a mom stay connected to who she is as a person helping her to enhance her self-esteem and confidence levels. Nobody understands a mother’s issues like another mother who’s been through the same thing. This meeting ground can provide terrific solutions and reassurance.
Mothers Need Time Out:
Mother often thinks that their lives completely revolve around the family, & behave as martyrs, basically, without taking time for their own needs. This is not something that should be happening! Yes, your family is important, but so are you! Spoil yourself, even if it’s just a little. Take time to read a favorite book, a visit to a salon, enjoy a treat, exercise, or go out for a cup of coffee! It doesn’t have to be much, but as but as long and you are ding something for yourself. Or better yet, close the door to your room (obviously, knowing your children are wall supervised) and take mini-meditation breaks. Inhaling, cool white light…exhaling through the shoulders… Even curling up with a magazine for five minutes, if you can’t read the whole thing, may give you a little break.
Let Your Guilt Go:
Where there is flexibility, fun’s not far behind. Let the unfolded baskets of laundry and the mess is. Design flexible schedules for yourself and don’t let your to-do lists push you around. Parenting offers wonderful opportunities to rediscover and enjoy the child within you. Playing and laughing with your children not only deepens your relationship with them, it lightens your load and reduces your stress.