this is your job; give yourself a break

A good friend of mine once told me...regarding her new job as mom: "There are ups and downs like any job. Some days it's good and some days my "bosses" make me crazy, but it's still the best job I've ever had." She told me this shortly after leaving her full-time job to be a stay-at-home mom for a few years. I took these words to heart all these years and fully agree. (Thanks Jane!) 

Being a mom is the best job I've ever had. And there are days that I think it's too much and days that I know it's all worth it.

As moms we sacrifice so much for our kids, and we can often become a bit masochistic about the things we do day-to-day. As with any job, there are times when working ridiculous overtime hours is necessary. There are times when you have to give in to the boss' demands. But at the same time, along the way, it's often necessary to negogiate a better work environment or rearrange your schedule to suit changes in routine. Don't forget that for most jobs you are allowed "vacation time" and lunch breaks. And while parenting is a 24/7 kind of job, it's important to allow yourself time for breaks.  

I speak to so many Baby Bunching moms who feel guilty in taking time for themselves--whatever it may be. No one expects you to be "on" all the time. That's unrealistic. Perhaps you're "on call" most of the days/nights, but realize that not being with your kids now and then actualy helps you in the long run. Give yourself a break even it you have to plan that time.And the break I'm talking about is not the kind where you zone out during a feeding or flip through a magazine during Dora. (Although these are important as well.)  You may not get a lunch break most days, but perhaps your break comes at breakfast time when your spouse can get the kids while you zen for day.

Any good employer knows that to keep employees happy they have to account for "off" times, whether it is vacation or breaks during the day. Unfortunately, our little Baby Bunchers (aka our bosses) don't fully comprehend this theory as most of them can hardly wipe their own bottoms. They won't come up and suggest you go sit and drink coffee in quiet. Chances are they won't suggest a bath of your own (without them pouring bubbles all over you). I'm willing to bet money that they don't recommend a girl's weekend away while daddy and/or grandma runs the show.

Vacation is important. Time off is critical. Skiing in Aspen may be out of the picture. Perhaps a cruise to Bermuda is not in the cards. But an overnight to a B&B with hubby in the next town or even alone might be in order. When you're making your new year's resolutions for 2010 with things like drinking less coffee, organizing your closets, cooking more meals at home, working out more or spending time with the kids. Don't forget to carve out time now and then for you.

We're not your boss, but we figure your bosses (who are busy getting into things right now) may thank you later for making the decision for them.

Comments

[Natalie @ Naddy's Blog]

My husband took the todder a few nights ago so I could go to a fun mom's meeting with the baby. It was surprisingly relaxing, especially when I called home and he told me that the toddler had gone to sleep for daddy with no crying at all! :) It doesn't have to be totally kid free to be a break... I so enjoyed just having the baby with me!

[Cara Fox]

Timely post since just yesterday, my four-year old told me I was fired - LOL. It's true that you should snatch breaks when you get them and not feel guilty about it. I always tell myself that one of the perks of being a stay-at-home mom (part-time) is that by gosh if I want to take half an hour to watch Days of Our Lives and eat bon bons in the middle of the day, I can. I have been known to start happy hour around 3 on Fridays with a group of girlfriends (another perk). Taking a full lunch break never seems to pan out, but I tell myself that I deserve the few snatches of time I can carve out here and there, even if they are only 15 consecutive minutes.

[Baby Bunching]

Umm....do your kids let you eat bon bons (or anything with sugar) without having to share?