31 Days to Finding Balance as a Home Manager :: Day 12 {Find Time for You}

super mommy takes a break photo credit - ~maitexu~

While I am dedicated to staying home with my two active young boys through their childhood formative years and I cherish it, I have learned that I am a better mama if I take some time all to myself for a few hours  at least once a week. What I do during this time varies, but its a time when I can attune my thoughts and actions only to what I want, (no guilt allowed) not catering to a small child's timeline needs whims and attitudes. It's bliss, let me tell you even just to be alone with my thoughts. When I return from from 'Me Time' I am re-charged, more cheerful and energetic. Having Me Time reduces the likelihood that I begin to resent my role as Home Manager which requires a lot of giving out of my own resources without getting back.

There are several ways to carve out some 'Me Time' into your week:

* Plan a Daddy Day for kids to spend time with Daddy while you get a little break to recharge.
 photo credit - moi

One day I just asked my rock star husband (yes, you do need to ask, nicely and pleasantly is to your benefit rather than an exasperated 'i gotta get out of here!') "Would it be alright with you if I took some time to myself each week while you take care of the kids?" I let him choose the day/time which usually ends up being a few hours on Saturday or Sunday, and he was more than willing to step up to the task. I am so thankful for him encouraging me to do so!


Mothers Day Out is an awesome child care ministry that lots of local churches all over the country offer to the community (you don't need to be a member to enroll kids) for children ages infant-preschool. It's really affordable, usually tuition costs just cover the wages to pay the teachers ($10-15 a day for 3-6 hours of care). Here's a list of Mothers Day Out programs that are available in my area of Northwest Arkansas found on LifePlusKids.com.

*MOP's groups(Mothers of Preschoolers) are another great way to get a little time with other mamas while your kids are taken care of:

Here's an expert from their website...
MOPS groups are chartered through local faith-based organizations, including churches and parachurch ministries. While each group is different, the MOPS program is built on several foundational principles:

• Community: MOPS provides an open, caring, and accepting atmosphere where women can come together to share this important season of life.
• Mentoring: Mature women listen, encourage, and offer information and perspectives gained through experience.
  
• Practical Instruction: Teaching focuses on areas of common interest, offering inspiration and information that is relevant to the life of a mother.
• Leadership Development: MOPS groups are organized and run by mothers of preschoolers, as well as for mothers of preschoolers. Women who are involved in MOPS gain confidence in their leadership skills through the training and experience they receive from MOPS.

The above principles can be carried out through different aspects of a MOPS group:

• Discussion: The intimate and accepting atmosphere of a small group offers moms a chance to share their successes, failures, questions, and concerns. It is during these times that a mom realizes that she is not alone, and lifelong friendships are formed.
• Teaching: Topics presented at MOPS meetings celebrate motherhood and meet a mom's unique needs during this season of life.
• Creative Activities: Through creative projects and presentations, women are encouraged to experience the sense of accomplishment that comes with trying and finishing new things.
• MOPPETS: During most MOPS meetings, children are cared for in a program called MOPPETS, where they experience love in a preschool-like setting.

Start a Child Care Share / Trade with a friend or neighbor: 

Every other week trade off watching each others kids during the week. You could also start a babysitting Co-Op and get a whole group of people to trade off watching each others kids - this makes for even more affordable date nights!

Read more about CO-Op's in this NY Times article.

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

Day 1 : Introduction
Day 2 : Get Adequate Rest 
Day 3:  Defining Priorities 
Day 4:  Where Does Your Time Go? 
Day 5:  Re-Define Your Role 
Day 6:  Establish a Morning Routine
Day 7:  Establish an Evening Routine 
Day 8:  Have Some FUN! 
Day 9:  Rest Regularly 
Day 10:  Identify & Understand Your Unique Temperament
Day 11:  Become a Student of Your Loved Ones