We already know being a Mom is the toughest job in the world, but doing it well without losing ourselves along the way is even tougher. Here to help us stay fabulous (while raising them fabulous) is the Time Doctor, Dr. Jen Woods...
I've always heard moms complain about "letting themselves go" and now with children of my own, it seems inevitable. How do I still make time for myself without neglecting my children?
Taking time for yourself is not only encouraged, it is necessary. For your own well-being, it is crucial that you work toward devoting some time during each and every day to yourself. You are not neglecting your children by doing so. In fact, you’re doing them a favour. A well-balanced, happy parent will do a much better job raising her children than one who constantly feels tired and stressed out.
Consider these three strategies for ensuring that you take some time, just for you:
- Devote a period of time, each and every day, to doing something you enjoy. Even if the amount of time is very short, you will feel rejuvenated having spent that time on yourself. You can select a quiet time during the day, perhaps when the kids are in bed. Take a hot bath, curl up with a favourite magazine or just devote 15 minutes to day-dreaming. Whatever it is, make sure you consciously take your own time every single day. Anyone can do anything, for just 15 minutes. It’s a matter of deciding you’re going to do it and sticking to it.
- Set up a “date” with yourself. Just as you would with your partner, get in the habit of taking a regularly scheduled longer period of time where you get out of the house and do something you love. Agenda items for your personal “dates” might include a spa day, a shopping spree or a long walk or bike ride. Again, whatever the activity is, make sure it's regularly scheduled in your calendar (once every week or two). If you don’t schedule it, you’re bound to feel that something else should take priority.
- Fight off the guilt, tooth and nail. By taking time for you, you are absolutely NOT neglecting your children. Don’t let feelings of guilt get in the way of devoting time to yourself. Remind yourself that a happy mom or dad is a better parent and that you NEED to take this time for you. Trust me, ultimately your children will benefit and will learn a valuable lesson – self respect. Be an example to them!
Dr. Jen Woods knows first hand the struggles and challenges that parents can face while trying to balance the everyday chores and responsibilities of parenthood. In an effort to help other busy working parents like herself, Jen started the Time Doctor business in the spring of 2008.