Of all the jobs in the world, they say a stay-at-home-mom's (SAHM) job is the
toughest one. We are expected to run the
household and multi-task. Nothing can prepare us for this job. We learn to go with the flow (not exactly smooth ones) and are expected to wear many hats at home. We help ourselves solve specific tasks, as much as possible. Those without external help would know what I mean. It's not so much of physical tiredness. It's just.... emotionally draining.
Having been a SAHM for the last 13 years, there are possibly many things
that I could have done to better manage my well-being, IF I had known
better. Opportunities to manage the burnout feeling I felt at the end of
the day was too insignificant to remember that I am being appreciated
at home. I was an angry, grouchy and emotional mom in the earlier years.
My identity was lost until my children went to
school. Only then I could find a little bit more time to myself to pursue my interests.
The many sleepless nights with my bubs at this stage, as I was nursing both of them concurrently. |
Selfies did exist in the year 2004! :p |
So listen up, all you new SAHMs out there, especially with the younger bubs who are not yet in school. This is really really important to have.
Looking back, I think it would have been perfectly alright to ask for some time off, to remember there is a 'me'. Moms are the reason for the existence of our children and I don't see why SAHMs should not take regular healthy time-offs to recharge and be energized. Wouldn't it be nice to go home feeling ready to face new challenges and embrace our family with a more loving and positive mind?
So whether you can squeeze in some time off to have a meal alone (without having to eat leftovers), get a hair wash at your neighborhood salon, bake a cake - anything that will make you feel on top of the world. Do it. You will appreciate yourself more. Your family would too.
Here's a recent photo of us enjoying each others' company! When they are older, things get much easier despite teenage angst. That's another story for another day. :) |
Next up on the blog train!
Pauline,
a mother-of-two, a home cook, a baker and a crafter. She has been a
SAHM for almost 7 years now and she’s still enjoying every minute of
being one. Days with the children, to her, are never dull and having a
hobby or something interesting to be kept busy with makes life so much
more easier. Beyond her interest in cooking, baking and sewing, blogging
keeps her sane as she shares with many like-minded moms about her
struggles, moments of pride and everything in between, so visit her blog
tomorrow to find out more!
This post is part of a blog train hosted by Gingerbreadmum where 31 stay-at-home mums share their survival tips. We hope that you'll find our tips useful and remember that you're not alone!
Having a meal, and not eating leftovers! LOL yes! Getting hair washed at salon! OMG I love that! Grouchy and angry.... oh dear that sounds like me on some days :(
ReplyDeleteGrouchy and angry sounds like me too... on PMS days. :p
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