Happy Monday, Friends!
Today, I’m chatting about something near and dear to my heart. I think it’s something all of us need…
MAMA TIME
I mean having a few minutes alone is just good for your soul, right?
I’ve gotten asked a lot lately about when I take time for myself and after working on this post I realized I have no fabulous secrets to reveal. But I’m sharing what works for me and hopefully, that will help someone else.
This made me laugh.
Right now, my big kids are at an age where they can play on their own. They enjoy a bit of their own time as well. And until summer hits, they’re at school for a big portion of the day so sometimes at home they want to unwind a bit with some quiet.
Bowen, on the other hand, has ALL THE WORDS for me and enjoys being my sidekick at all times.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my children, but it’s just good for my soul to be alone for a few minutes. Even if that requires me heading into the bathroom and locking the door. #canigetanamen
Here are a few ways I sneak some alone time in…
*I get up BEFORE the kiddos. I know once their feet hit the floor it is GAME ON, so I try my best to be prepared for the day by snagging some quiet minutes early in the morning.
*We all have some alone time. During the school year when I put Bowen down to nap, I have some quiet to myself. During the summer, we have some time when everyone goes to their own room to read/rest.
*The kiddos go to bed. They don’t go to bed crazy early or anything but we make sure they’re in bed at least an hour before Tab and I want to be asleep. This allows us to have some quiet moments and also time just for the two of us.
*When I need a minute, I take it. If you’re having a crazy day, then it is perfectly fine to go into a room alone and get it together. Know what I mean? Turn on a show, tell the kids to go play in their rooms, or get out a game while you take a breather then lock yourself in the closet and enjoy the quiet.
It was a little short and sweet today, but I’d love to hear what you do. How do you get a few quiet moments for yourself? Please share with us!
And tomorrow…I’m show-and-telling my favorite vacation-hope to see you back here!
Mama time is sooo important!! Love these tips, girl. Xoxo
Amen to all this!
Bowen has ALL THE WORDS made me lol! So important to sneak in some time for yourself!
Yes. Yes. Yes. And more yes. We take a rest time during the summer too. It's so nice (after being outside at the pool all morning/afternoon) to come in and just chill for a bit. We ALL need it!
I do the morning thing too. I get up at 4:30 every morning. Now that it's summer and light early, I do coffee and quiet blog, Internet, etc…time. I currently have the window open and fountain outside going. Heaven! Then I run with the dog at 5:30. In the winter I do the reverse, work out early on the treadmill, then coffee second. I teach so I'm out of the house by 7. People think I'm wacko for getting up so early but they don't know what they're missing! Moms need a little break and anyone who says they don't are great fibbers:-)
I remember when my kids stopped taking naps it was a sad day for me. I love my kids but always loved that quiet time during the day when they were napping. Now they are older and pretty much can entertain them selves, but sometimes I will just go into my room, even for 20 minutes and just sit there alone! Everyone , even kids, need some alone time!!!
This is a great post! I'm all about some alone time! Both my boys are still really little so my alone time comes at nap or I've been getting a sitter a few mornings a week for my 7m old while my oldest is at MMO so that I can run my errands and workout. I find I'm a much happier and better mama/wife when I've had some "me time".
Yes! Waking up early is KEY for me. I've never been able to start my day properly when the kids run in and I'm still asleep. Wake up time is usually 4:30 but I get SO much done b/w that time and 7am.
"Me time" also includes no shame in finding a sitter to get away 🙂 Oh, and getting regular haircuts/highlights. Nothing helps me feel more like "me" than a fresh hair do.
I also love taking advantage of the times when my hubby is home early. I throw the kids outside with him, pour a glass of wine and take my time cooking dinner. I love it!
I am with you on everyone needs some quiet time!! Even at 6 & 8 I send mine to read in their room or just be quiet for a little time, and we all feel better after doing so!!
Those are all great tips. Once they give up naps, a daily "rest time" is great for everyone – including mama! I think having dad keep the kids occasionally in the evening and getting out of the house either alone or with some girlfriends is a great way to recharge as well. 🙂
My number one hesitation / nervousness when I think about becoming a Mom is less Me time. It really does make you a happier, healthier person – for everyone. Just ask my Husband about when I'm socially drained. Or hangry. LOL! Happy wife, happy life.
My "me time" this weekend was bathing suit shopping, EEEEK! Insert awkward emoji here 😉
~ LOTL
loveonthelakeblog.blogspot.com
Getting up before the kids is the biggest plus for me! I also definitely take the time to enjoy a little me time while they are at sports practices now that they are older.
I don't know how moms do it! I worry when my time comes I won't be able to handle it! xo, Kristina
"Me" time is important. I get me time tonight…Bachelorette watching party at a girlfriend's!
Mama time is a necessity!! My kids will have a "rest time" till they move out! ha!
Spot on, Erika! I always say, to be a good mom, I have to be a good wife. To be a good wife, I have to be a good me. It's important to still have those "me" moments. Even if it's a twenty minute walk around the neighborhood alone. I am thankful for Women's Bible Study, Bunko groups, Supper Clubs and Date Nights…it helps keep me sane!