Being a Mum is one of the hardest (but most rewarding) jobs you can have. Thing is, it’s 24/7. 365 days of the year. You’re on call constantly! Being a Mum can be exhausting and overwhelming.
Have you ever just felt that sometimes you just need to stop, and take a break?
Unlike any other jobs, when you’re a mum you can’t just ‘call in sick’ when you are feeling tired, crappy or overwhelmed.
The reality is that, having an actual day off from Mum is none existent. Unless you have a support network that will look after your kids. But even so, this usually requires so much preparation and organising that you wonder if it is actually worth it!
It is worth it! That is, if you can make it happen. But don’t give up all hope if you can’t… there is still a way to get a break!
If you can’t take a whole day off being Mum, at least a few hours is acceptable, right?
Go on strike!
Yes, you read that right! Go on strike!!!
Don’t worry, i’m not going to suggest that you neglect your kids or that you do a runner! You’re still going to be there with your kids, you’ll still respond to emergencies, but as far as everything else is concerned, you’re on strike.
Right, now, here’s how to take a day off being Mum without actually having a day off!
Drop your expectations.
This is a day for rest and relaxation, not stressing about ‘could haves’ and ‘should haves’! Drop the expectations for just a day.
Inform your kids (and partner) that you’re on strike and demand co-operation.
Explain to everyone that you, as their Mum needs to rest and destress. That you too are allowed to have a day off.
Keep mealtimes simple.
Promote independence! Depending on your childrens ages, allow them to make cereal for breakfast. I mean, no use crying over spilt milk! It’s easily wiped up. Have a no cook lunch. Make a picnic in the living room. Think easy access snack. Such as the fruit bowl, cereal bars etc. Grab your phone and ring in a take away for tea! The kids will love the treat and just think, minimal dishes to wash!
No one gets dressed
Make it a PJ day. No battles with what to wear, getting dressed, or creating extra laundry. (Bonus!)
Get comfortable.
Choose a position on the sofa or bed. Gather up all the duvets and cushions and get comfortable. Be somewhere that you can supervise at least a little, and stay there, let the kids come to you.
Use the ‘no blood, no drama’ rule.
Highly recommended for tweens and teens. Promote some independence.
Electronic babysitter
Remember I said ditched the mum guilt at the door? Give your kids access to tablets and the TV. Just for today. Let the electronic babysitter do it’s thing.
Supervise with your ears.
Lay back, relax and let your ears do the work. You know what real trouble sounds like, right?! Unless you have a toddler, then silence can mean trouble!
One day isn’t going to harm anyone
One day of being off duty isn’t going to harm anyone. In fact, we’ve already established that there will be one less load of washing and dishes!
Enjoy the down time with your kids You have to admit, your kids drive you crazy and wear you out, but you wouldn’t have them any other way! They will love that Mum has stopped and has unlimited time not being distracted by other tasks.
Most importantly enjoy your day off!
Have you ever taken a day off being mum?
What other tips would add to the list?
PIN ME FOR LATER
Timeout is so important for us mums, even when we’re sick we can’t switch off completely! Even being away for a few hours can make a difference but, if not, I love the idea of chilling out on the sofa and not getting dressed :o)
#MMBC
Each week I always have a morning to myself. I go back to bed for a catch up sleep after they have gone to school and then I usually have a soak in the bath.
We all need a break now and again x
Kim Carberry recently posted…Our weekly meal plan. 25th Feb – 3rd March! #MealPlanningMonday
Fairplay! We see all these images and hear stories of perfect lives – but yet hardly anything about taking it easy the odd time. We aren’t perfect after all! #globalblogging
Isabel recently posted…Is winter the creative season?
Great tips on how we can give ourselves a break. Even though my kids are all adults now, I still need a break some days! 🙂
Laurie recently posted…Making It Happen or Making Excuses?
Too right! We all need some time out now and again. I am very lucky that my hubby helps out so much. He will cook, clean and even do the ironing so I can have a bit of me time. He’s pretty awesome.
Thanks for sharing with #MMBC. x
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs recently posted…Home Schooling Catch Up February
I think we’ve raised the mom bar so high that few can reach it without going crazy. My mom frequently allowed us to play amongst ourselves while she read and watched television. That was a normal weekend afternoon at home. We ate peanut butter sandwiches and watched cartoons. Dinner was always something easy like a pizza. I love your ideas, moms deserve some downtime to do their own thing each week and should never feel guilty about it. It gives your child the model of how to handle stress as they get older. #GlobalBlogging