Topic : Working Moms

For the longest time I cmplained that I never had any me time.  And the thing is you are responsible for taking that me time your self.  And the other thing that I had to remember is me time is allowed to have back ground noise!  I used to think that in order to get me time the kids had to be gone.....I am learning that is not the case....look at me know my son is watching TV and I am on the computer and I am having me time. 

I also do things like talking on the phone. Tweezing my eyebrows, what ever it might be.  I am realizing I have a lot of me time.  I was just taking it for granted and not realizing I really did have it!   

Hi!  Check out Allrecipes.com, great stuff there, tons of ideas. 

Ceno 

Hey there, Holland Mum, from Scotland Mum.....  

You sound like you have things worked out pretty well... and the fact that your husband and kids help out is fantastic...  not everyone is as blessed with that help.  However, congratulations on getting back into the workplace and I hope the added hours are what you wanted.    

As for finding time for yourself...  perhaps if you sat and listed the sort of things you would like to do in your free time.... then you can start to work out how to obtain that precious time.  I find it hard at the moment to find the time - but I have made a start as I know what I would do with it if I had it!!!!  I want to do a bit of drawing, write letters to friends, go for walks (alone) and visit friends I have not visited for a good while.  I list the things I want to do and strive to tick them off my list as I do them, even if it takes me a hundred or so years to do them all.  Everytime I get one thing done, it keeps me going..... the list will never end as I keep adding things as they come up.  I suppose good time management is the key, and help from the family...... they have to understand it is important for you to have your alone time to get your head around life, etc!  Of course, I dont have the magic answer that will get you loads of time alone, but maybe someone out there has a better suggestion.  I hope you find what works for you...... let us know on this message board.  I think every mum in the world would love the answer to this one!!!!  Good luck friend!!!!  

Judy :-)  

Hi Dutchkaren, 

I steal little moments for myself throughout my day.  For instance, watching Dr. Phil is my time, and I send the kids off to their rooms to play.  And I'm not just sitting there watching it either, I'm cross stitching or knitting, whatever, sometimes even reading a book.  Then after bedtime, I usually do the cleaning, then after that I'm free for at least an hour for whatever I want.  I feel lucky though, because I know many mothers who can't find time, even at night when the kids are asleep.  I also stay up late if I feel I need extra time to myself.  I can't go to bed right after the kids, because even though I'm sleeping, I feel I haven't had the quiet time I need.  Sounds funny, but if I do go to bed right after the kids, there is usually a great chance I'll be cranky in the morning.   

Another thing I have noticed from my friends, and something that was pointed out to me in a parenting class,   was that mom's always feel that the housework needs to be done on time etc.  Well it doesn't.  The dishes can wait, the folding can wait, the ironing can wait etc.  It doesn't need to be done right away.The end of the world won't appear if dishes are in the sink.  I used to clean all day long and when we discussed it in the parenting class it took a while for me to realize that they were right.  So now I don't do the laundry as soon as the dryer bell goes off, I don't do the dishes right after dinner.  They can sit there for a while.  Why should I miss time with my kids, or time to myself, or cuddle time with my husband because of a few silly chores?  My house is still clean, I just learned that it's not the most important thing I have to do.  LOL!  Hope that makes sense... 

Ceno =) 

I have 2 children ages 8 and 4.  I have been a working mom since my first was 4 months old.  The key to it all in organization and priorities.  I am a full time elementary teacher and going for my masters.  My husband works 50+ hours a week.  I have come to terms that during the week it is my job to make sure my kids are picked up from school, get to their after school activities and homework is done.  My children have chores they do every night.  Between the three of us we get all of the household chores done and get ready for the next day with plenty of time to play  a game and relax.  Our family lives for the weekends.  One day my husband and I switch on and off to give each other time with the children and time to spend doing things by ourselves.  Sunday is family day.  I feel I am able to spend plenty of time with my children as well as giving it all to my career.  I also feel I am teaching my children responsibility and family values.