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How do you do it?
But new moms, whether for the first time or fifth, don't just need support in taking care of their babies; they also need support in taking care of themselves. It is so easy for a mother's own needs to get pushed to the background. One of mine is for some camaraderie from other moms, whether online or in person. In the internet world, there are lots of places to look, from blogs like ours to groups on social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter. Right now, I am hoping to tap into your collective wisdom.
Ever since the birth of my third in early October, trying to balance the needs of three children has taken all of my time. This means trouble for any work I would like to do around my home, or (gasp), any time I would like to spend on myself. I am fully prepared to admit it - there are many days when I feel like I am barely keeping my head above water.
So I'm asking: How do you do it?
How do you find the time to pay attention to your kids with all of the love and devotion they deserve and not stay up all night trying to simply keep the house from being condemned?
How do you find time to take time for yourself, whether taking a bath or reading a book or running your own business?
Share a tip, an idea, a source of personal inspiration, or a sanity saver in the comments below. Your thoughts won't just help me, but all those other moms I know are in the same boat.
Thanks in advance for taking a moment to give a mom a hand! - Sara I.
Sara,
I think so many of us mamas can relate to your experiences and somehow doesn’t that just feel good? Knowing their are mamas all over the planet juggling the important work of parenting with the hard work of just living?
I just wrote a blog piece about doing away with the word BALANCE cause it is just making me mad! Give it a read:
http://mindfullymothering.com/2009/01/09/breaking-faith-with-the-b-word/
Most of all, take the few minutes of rest and self-care when you can. Leave the dishes and go soak in the tub. Give yourself lots and lots of empathy for how challenging it is to be a busy mama!
AJsMom and Savannah - thank you so much for your posts! As you mentioned, Savannah, just knowing there are others in the same boat helps. Great post on finding harmony, too, Savannah! If only the lazy cleaning fairies would get to work here, I would be all set! :)
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I don’t know if I have any suggestions but wanted to tell you that I am right there with you. I only have 1 daughter, age 14 months. She has yet to sleep through the night, which means I have not had one full night of sleep in over 14 months. I work full time, as does my husband and he goes to daycare during the day. When I get home at 5, the only thing I want to do is see her, play with her and spend time with her because I have missed her all day. She goes to bed around 7 so those 2 hours are for her. She deserves that 2 hours of attention and love.
As you know, the rest of the night is recovery and preparation time for the next day. By 10pm I’m wiped, make my way up to bed, and my psychic daughter somehow knows and wakes to come into bed with me. I don’t care. Worse things could happen.
My house is a mess, laundry is piled up, can’t remember the last time I washed any floors...BUT we’re all happy. My simple response to your post...just relax and worry about the important things. We’ll eventually have plenty of time to have clean houses, plenty of time to read, relax, spend time alone. I feel like she is growing up so fast and I want to treasure every moment...even if that means I have to walk over 4 feet laundry to get from the bathroom to the bedroom. Which reminds me...time to switch the laundry...good luck!