Well it's the end of August and sadly the end of summer is in sight which, at our house, means back to school. In fact it's only a mere 3 1/2 days until all of my children are back in school again. Does it sound like I'm a little excited about that?
It's this feeling of excitement that we parents joke about this time of year as being "the most wonderful time of the year" (thanks to Staples ads of summer's past). But even when I say it, it still gives me that pang of guilt I know I shouldn't have but still do anyway. How is it that we can never truly allow ourselves to be guilt free as Moms? Even when we know we deserve some "me" time, why do we always let that voice in the back of our head interrupt those glorious thoughts of some much needed time to ourselves? If you've mastered a way to banish those guilty thoughts, please share; I know I'm not the only one who'd like to know the secret to guilt-free parenting.
If you're like me, having three children means you have a busy life whether they are in the baby/toddler stage or in my case, now when they're in the elementary school/tween stage. Fleeting moments of time to yourself are rare in a multi-child household and trips to get groceries can seem like you've spent a day at the spa sometimes. Even then I've found myself sometimes rushing to finish up shopping so I can be home in time to tuck my kids into bed while they're still awake. If I arrive home late and all are asleep, there it is again - guilt...I shouldn't have stopped to browse the magazine section at the drugstore, then I would have been home earlier to say goodnight.
I know for myself that when I've had a bit of a break from my children, whether it's a few hours or even a day (or two if I'm really lucky), I find I am a better parent. My patience and tolerance for noise and sibling squabbles goes up and I genuinely think it's good for my children as well. My husband is great with the kids if I have to be away, in fact he enjoys spending time with them on his own, and it seems as if the kids appreciate you a little more when you return. Those big hugs at the door that come with shouts of "Mom's home, I missed you!" make you feel like a superstar, even if it's only for a moment.
There are those who are part of a single parent family. It can be doubly hard and you may not have the luxury of a partner who can stay with your children while you try to take some time away. If you're in this situation, perhaps getting some help from relatives or close friends is something you could try to arrange. Even if it's only for a few hours to get away and run some errands, get a haircut, or grab a coffee, minus the Mom guilt. It's certainly worth the effort and will help you recharge those parenting batteries. Joining a local parenting group or getting in touch with your community group organization may be a good start to finding some connections to help you establish a plan to work in some Mom "me" time.
So, for all of you parents out there who are happily humming the Staples tune right now, I can relate. Here's an article that will give us all a bit of a chuckle on why you shouldn't feel Mom guilt. Despite the obvious humor, it still makes the point that we all need to take time for ourselves. Do take time to enjoy the read and enjoy those last few days of summer holidays - guilt free!
Parenting Article via CNN: Mom Guilt
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