Why as parents do we feel that we need permission from someone in order to take a day off?
As much as you may want to believe you can, you cannot continue nurturing, effective parenting without time off for yourself. Somewhere, sometime when least expected, you will crash…hard…and you will not be able to deal with the simplest of events. I have been in this parenting gig for twenty-seven years; please listen to the voice of experience.
I hear you muttering (maybe even using your outside voice) taking time off from parenting is way easier said than done. Yes it is, but that fact does not negate your need for repose and renewal. Just as intently and diligently as you work in parenting and advocating for your children, you must take the same attitude in caring for yourself. Sure you’ve heard this before, but this time, listen.
Today I grant you permission to take a day off. If that day cannot be today, hold this permission in reserve and never forget that you may declare a day off from…
* worrying
* caring what people think
* saying the right thing
* fighting battles
* doing research
* knowing it all
* making phone calls
* acting as case manager
* handling the details
* making appointments
* filling out forms
* solving problems
* multi-tasking
* holding it all in
* (add your own)
…and not feel one bit of guilt…ever.
Seriously, put on your monkey slippers and kick back.
Melody can be found writing here at 5MFSN every Tuesday in addition to hosting Special Exposure Wednesday. She can also be found at Slurping Life and what i think…and occasionally on the edge of a cliff.
Melody, I can’t begin to tell you how badly I need a day off. Unfortunately, it won’t be today…but maybe soon.
Thanks for reminding us all how important it is to recharge ourselves.
Girl,
that “hammer” that you use to get your point across is amazingly correct!
Putting on your monkey slippers sounds wonderful, don’t forget to have a cup of something tasty– and maybe a nice smelling candle burning…
Ah, the Joy’s!
If we don’t take a moment for ourselves, we might loose the best part of us.
– Value your self and take a moment to re-charge.
Hmm, monkey slippers! I wondered what on earth you were going on about [on your own site!] but now all is clear.
You suggested additions to your list?
I’d also like to skip the menu plan, shopping and cooking, but starvation calls very loudly around here.
Cheers
Amen sista! Now, just remember to take your own advise.
Me and Parky will be hanging out in the Safe Room today cause I feel like…blech.
I’ve got a bunch of pillows piled high. Parker’s on continual feeds today. I have a Kleen Kanteen full of Crystal Light. I ain’t doing nuthin’ more than that.
ohhh yes….mommy break….now, where did I put my monkey slippers…
so, so true! we don’t give ourselves permission, yet we must, or else we all suffer. thanks for the reminder, and the permission slip.
gail @ challenges and adventures
Wow, we are on the same page today! We did just that. Forts in the living room and dancing in the rain was the order of our day.
Great post! I couldn’t tell you the last time I spent a day NOT thinking about therapy, dr. appointments, orthotics, feedings, meds, equipment, phone calls, e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g! Thanks for the reminder that I can just be Mommy once in a while!
Well said, it’s so hard to make ourselves take a break sometimes but it’s so needed! Love the monkey slippers!
You rock! I’m terrible about giving myself a break. I get all irritable and crabby. The whole martyr thing. Then my husband forces me to go get some pampering. It’s very passive-aggressive.
Love the monkey slippers!
Great reminder! The best advice I think I receive when J was a baby in the NICU from a grad school mentor & friend. He said to make sure I took time for myself, because if I didn’t take care of ME, I couldn’t take care of HER. Seems like common sense, but it was like a light bulb came on and a weight was lifted from my shoulders. Now I routinely try to take “me time” before I crash and burn.
Thanks for reminding all of us!