Are you taking care of MOM?

 

We hug them, love them, teach them, and share with them, wiping away tears, assuring them that monsters are not in the closet or under the bed, and even helping them through algebra. We are our children's caretakers, and we care for them so deeply and completely that we sometimes forget to care for ourselves. If we get too stretched out and burned out, we aren't as effective at taking care of others very well.

One of the things that I learned through my early years of homeschooling and being a full-time mom was that I had to take care of MOM first. One of the best analogies for this is the statement that is made when you are going through the safety talk before takeoff on a flight. When the oxygen masks drop in an emergency, the adult should put her mask on first, and then assist the child with his. We can't help them if we are incapacitated—that's my interpretation. And this holds true in all that we do, particularly when it comes to parental well-being and the individual feeling of fulfillment.

I learned early in my adventures at home that I had to make time for myself. I would have one night a week when I would go to the library—without the kids—to read and simply enjoy the silence! We have to read, rest, relax, and get some alone time so that we can focus on our own needs. Take a minute to think of a few ways that you can do this.

Here are some of my favorites: a Saturday morning at a favorite bookstore, an evening at the library, a morning of garage sale exploration with my mom, a long weekend with my husband at an undisclosed location, and well, you get the picture! J

Now, make your list and a plan of action. Take care of you and everyone stands to gain!

Blessings,

- Amanda B.