Three Teens and a Toddler

One can have hundreds of tips from every expert there is, however nothing is a guarantee to make every day run perfectly. Yes, there will be days when nothing seems to go right and there may be days filled with total chaos. Don’t let this discourage you. If we are not careful, we as moms can be our own worst enemies. We put great demands on ourselves and when they are not met, we are often left feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few final tips that will prove helpful to any mom:

1. Keep it simple. There are times when you should just go with the flow. If a child is sick or for some reason organization, routine, and all else goes out the window, just live! Spontaneity has a way of bringing fresh energy to the mundane. That may mean pizza for a night instead of a hot, home-cooked meal. It may mean everyone digging through the large pile of laundry to find what’s needed and organizing it later. Get through the day or the week and start fresh with the next day. It happens.
2. Ask for help. Not only should you use the help in your house, but do not be afraid to ask for help! Take advantage of available help from relatives or those that you trust with your children. It may mean allowing your child to spend a few hours at a relative’s home while you and your husband take a night out, or allowing your child to have a play date with another friend to give you a few hours to run errands. Take advantage of good help. I took advantage of good help many times when our older children were all in college and my husband and I needed to travel or attend some type of event. We were grateful for help with our younger daughter. You will appreciate those that love and respect you and care for your child.
3. Time out! No not for the children, for you the mother. Know when it’s time to go. Know when your heart is saying it’s time to step away and have a moment for yourself. It’s called self-care. It may not mean packing bags and traveling a distance, but it may mean taking a walk, taking a drive, going to a local library for a few moments of peace and quiet, or simply closing the door to your room to relax, pray, or meditate. Whatever the choice is for you, know when to take a time out for yourself. The daily responsibility of raising children is no easy job. Raising another child years after you have raised others is especially no easy job. Over the years of managing a household daily, I found a few things that I liked to do that refresh me. I would take a few hours to visit the spa. I would run out and get a manicure or pedicure, or take a walk in the fresh air in a local park. Sometimes I would just go for a drive. Identify those things that give you peace and cause you to slow down and refocus. Do those things while someone else helps out with the child or children. Don’t forget self-care!