Westfield Group
Time-out
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3833
2009-11-11 05:44:04 UTCMe Time
As mothers we need to 'assess' what "ME TIME" means to us individually and how we can fit it in to our already packed schedules. I come from a house where my husband travels frequently, my family lives on the other side of the country and my friends are all just as busy as me - so trying to schedule a "babysitting swap" with them just doesn't work. "ME TIME" is important for our sanity but it does not need to be scheduled, hours long or expensive... Prioritising your day, having a healthy relationship with your partner and staying in contact with good friends is a great start to clearing your mind, anything after that is a 'bonus' when you are a mother. Take advantage of the moment, if the kids are happily playing PUT THE KETTLE ON, make double-serves of dinner one night to give yourself a break the next night and when you do get an invitation to head out without the kids and husband DO IT and don't feel guilty about it, after all it is YOUR life. You will go out, have a good time and come home to see that the kids are okay, your house is still standing and while your husband may be knackered... he coped! =) -
3827
2009-10-16 03:14:42 UTCIf I'm happy, the kids are happy
Being a parent is precious, but a lot of hard work as we all try our best to teach our kids the right way in life. When times get stressful, parents need to do something in their life each week, from 5 mins to a whole day (depending on how long you can get time away from the children) or at night. I either sit outside for 10 min reading, or take shoes off and walk on wet lawn <theraputic-destresser>. Sometimes I go for a jog, walk or go to a movie with partner or friends. It must be something you always have enjoyed in life and try to do it each week so you have something to look forward to if you can get 5 min or whatever time to can spare for yourself. The way I see it is... if I'm happy the kids are happy. -
3818
2009-10-07 22:29:21 UTCUnique Discovery
I have a very happy 7-year-old boy. My tip is to let them play on their own as much as you can, this enables them to discover things for themselves without scheduled activities all the time. Let them become an individual - remember there are no two people the same in this world. -
3784
2009-07-31 11:02:20 UTCTime-Out
Every fortnight I take an afternoon or evening for myself. I go out shopping or to the movies by myself. Doing what I want to do and pottering at my own pace. It is something not only to enjoy but to look forward to. -
3753
2009-06-04 03:32:59 UTCSlow Cookers
Use a slow cooker in the cooler months as much as possible. Not only are you preparing healthy and hearty meals for the family, but it helps out with the crazy rush in the afternoon of getting home from work, trying to prepare a meal whilst helping kids with their homework! Instead, you pop dinner on in the morning and by the evening it's all done! Fantastic for budget conscious families as well, as you can use cheaper cuts of meat! -
3740
2009-04-22 12:20:58 UTCI would suggest a nice bubble bath after the kids have gone to bed....it always calms your body and mind, so you feel relaxed. -
3736
2009-04-17 00:52:10 UTCStop cleaning and ironing for 30 minutes a day. Sit down and really watch your children play. I can guarantee it will put the biggest smile on your face and a smile on your heart as well. -
3717
2009-03-18 03:58:35 UTCI have a little sibling rivalry issue between my 4yr old daughter and my 3yr old son, this takes up a lot of my time as Im often breaking up arguments. I have started a "Be nice to your brother and sister Day". I word them up the night before as to what the next day is and on the morning they wake up I get them excited about it by adding different incentives i.e. special craft time, favourite movies etc. When they start to argue I remind them what the day is. At the end of the day we get together to discuss how it made us feel to be nice to each other. This really does work and the behaviour flows into the rest of the week. -
3710
2009-03-10 06:52:30 UTCBuy expensive soap or body wash. Sometimes a shower is the only time you get on your own. Also invest in a lock on the bathroom. They will learn to wait at the door. -
3694
2009-02-07 12:33:29 UTCIf you are sick of the crying, tired of not sleeping and generally wondering what you got yourself into, just think that in 50 years time you will do anything for more time with your infant. Cherish it while you can, the vacuuming can wait.
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