Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Time out, please!

These days, my body and mind are screaming "Time out, please!". I have reached that point where I haven't had any time to myself in a very long time. It's been so long that I can't even remember when the last time was. I really don't like reaching this point as it usually means a grumpy mummy/wife/person for everyone around and concerned. My powers of self-control are highly active, but they too will run out pretty soon.

I'm doing an amazing parenting course called Incredible Years. We're a great group and there's lots of talking and sharing and ideas on all sorts. However, a few weeks ago, the facilitators asked us to think about how we, as parents, recharge our batteries. There was silence. Then a few ideas here and there, but the list was pretty short. Wow. Reality hit home. When it comes to the ones we love, mothers (and fathers) have a tendency to give constantly and to put loved ones first, and we forget that we too need to refuel.

One of the biggest obstacle to Mummy time is our husband/wife/partner. It goes without saying that without their help and support, time out just ain't going to happen. My husband and I have this agreement that Saturday mornings are mine to do whatever I please and Saturday afternoons are his. Sunday is family time. This was working quite well until I started a new job and sometimes have to work weekends. Since then, our carefully laid out plan has gone with the wind (and boy has it been windy in Wellington lately), and we somehow need to put it back in place.

So, here are some ideas for Mummy time, and I hope they inspire you to take time out for yourself.

COFFEE BREAK


PARTNER DATE - NAILS - HAIRDRESSER - WAXING - BATH - FACE MASK - GOOD BOOK - WALK BY THE SEA - MAGAZINE - MOVIES - COOKING (with no kids around, thank you) - NIGHT/WEEKEND AWAY - (BUBBLE) BATH - LYING HORIZONTALLY FOR MORE THAN 5MIN

GIRL DATE


i am writing this post from a local cafe with wireless access. I figured if I went home, then the kids and the to-do list would interfere with my blogging time once again. Nope, not this time I thought. So I stopped on my way home from work to write to you, dear readers, and I look forward to reading your views and thoughts on MUMMY TIME OUT ;-p.