Style Your Sole, Join TOMS Shoes in Argentina
Moving right along with the celebration of the One Millionth Pair milestone, we, along with our friends at AT&T, are offering up a spot on a very special Shoe Drop!
Jump over to the AT&T Sole Styler app and create a virtual pair of TOMS Shoes, and then show it off to your friends on Facebook, or tweet it out to your fellow tweeters. When you create a shoe, you’re entered to win that lucky spot on the One Millionth Pair Shoe Drop, set to take place this September in Argentina. And if you win, you can bring a guest… so really, share it with your friends. Get them to enter the contest and make a pact that you’re BFFs forever and that if/when one of you wins, you promise to go as a pair…
This contest ends August 29, so get going! Use our TOMS Coupons to save when you buy your pair of TOMS Shoes today!
Starting School…
With my son starting school in a few weeks I thought it was proper for me to do a post for all those Moms about to go through what I am. Here are some tips to make starting school easier on all of us, especially you!
Preparation
In the first few days your child will face new places, people, rules and relationships. This can be both exciting and frightening.
You can help by familiarising your child with their new environment before school starts:
- Make at least one visit to the school before your child’s first day. If possible, arrange to show your child around their new classroom and meet their teacher. Take a look at where they’ll leave their coat and lunchbox and show them the toilets, playground and hall.
- Talk about each place as you visit it. For some children just looking will be enough. But others will benefit from your descriptions.
- Find out about the daily routine from the teacher and let your child know what to expect. For example, many schools start with reading on the mat, the daily register and so on. Knowing what’s coming next will help your child make sense of their day.
- Lastly, for your own reassurance you could ask the teacher what strategies he or she uses to settle the children.
- Point out the school whenever you pass it.
- Tell stories about what you enjoyed at school and the fun things you did.
- Build a school with your child from cardboard boxes or play-bricks, then act out some classroom scenarios with your child.
- Read some positive books about starting school. Good titles include Topsy and Tim Start School by Jean and Gareth Adamson or Starting School by Alan and Janet Ahlberg.
- Walk or drive to school together so your child gets to know the route. Note how long it takes so you leave in plenty of time on the first day.
Plan ahead
If the school has an evening for new parents go along and take note of all the items your child will need on their first day.
Shop for uniform and other equipment early – you’re more likely to find things in the right sizes and you’ll avoid the crowding of the last week before term starts. Make the shopping trip into a special event for you and your child and emphasise they’re choosing their grown-up school clothes.
The countdown
If your child’s in holiday routine – staying up late and rising late – then one week before term begins change their schedule. Gradually bring their bedtime back to a time suitable for school nights and introduce more regular eating habits with meals at set times.
Write a list of all the things you’ll need to organise, such as dinner money, snacks and lunches, gym clothes, reading folder and painting coverall. Stick the list to the fridge and tick each item off as you sort it out.
Involve your child in getting ready for their first day. The evening before term starts you and your child can work together to prepare their uniform, bag and snacks.
Set your alarm early for the first day – even the most organised parents and children need extra time to get ready for the big event.
Your emotions
Your feelings will guide your child’s emotions. If you approach your child’s first day with confidence that they’ll be fine, using positive words about school and loving attention, their anxieties will be reduced.
Saying goodbye at school may be very emotional for you. But try to send your child off with a smile and a wave along with the reassurance that you’ll be there to collect them later. Remember even distressed children settle very quickly once you’re gone, so make your leave loving but brief. If you’re particularly worried, most schools will be receptive if you want to phone in later to check your child is ok.
The end of the day
Do make sure you’re a little early to collect your child at the end of the first few days – even a few minutes late can seem an eternity to a waiting child. Your child will probably be tired and hungry so a healthy snack and some quiet time, with or without you, will be just what they need after school.
Make listening to your child a priority. They’ll probably talk about their day in their own time so avoid pressing your child, but do give them opportunities to talk to you.
For all those Moms attempting to find that perfect pair of shoes for your child consider getting them a pair of TOMS Shoes. They are great for young ones that can’t tie laces yet, and they look cool too! Check out our TOMS Coupons to get a discounted price on your pair as well.
Despicable Me…
Today was a bit of a relaxing yet good day. Woke up to my neighbours having a big yard sale, and of course I’ve loved their furniture for quite some time. Just my luck, they are selling their dressers and night tables, as well as their big old english couch and chair. Well, guess what I got?! I officially have a dresser to put my clothes into, night tables to put my lamps on and replaced my brother couch since the kids destroyed the one he has let us use since we moved in.
They were definite good finds and was so happy to get them. Literally bouncing off the walls excited! Just ask the Hubby. Yes I am one of those, I get excited over the smallest things. I get excited over a freshly baked cake that works out perfectly that’s how easily I am pleased. Lucky for the Hubby.
So today we never ended up going down to Kempen Fest, but that’s okay. It would have been real busy and I don’t handle crowds too well. I am one of those people that you would see in the grocery store cutting people off and giving attitude if someone isn’t paying attention and pushes right out in front of me. No kidding! I am not a pleasant person to shop with, as per why I never enjoy shopping. I avoid it. Shopping to me is like getting a flu bug, I hate it. 
Since our day was spent at home we took the kids out this evening to see an absolutely adorable movie, Despicable Me. I heard great reviews on it. They weren’t kidding. The movie wasn’t only great for the kids, but even we were laughing. Wee Man was chuckling up a storm, which of course made me laugh harder. He has one of those laughs that makes you laugh it is so gut wrenchingly funny. Baby Girl isn’t one to be able to sit long, but we were smart and sat away from everyone and had a walk way in front of our seats so she was able to get up and dance when there was music, and just be fun. The theatre was full of kids anyways, can’t expect every child to sit quietly for an entire movie.
Now it is Saturday night. I lie in bed listening to Baby Girl cry out asking for a freezie. She is down right exhausted and of course fighting sleeping. Big plans for tonight? Not so much. I’ll probably finish writing this and go to bed. Such riveting lives we live. I am becoming that 23 year old hitting 60 quite fast. Literally. The past 2 days in a row now I’ve got massive headaches which in turn leads to me passing out for at least 30 minutes. Thankfully the Hubby has allowed me to get an afternoon nap. He knows I can get cranky, and he doesn’t like a cranky Mommy in the house.
What are your plans for this Saturday night? Have you seen the movie Despicable Me yet? Let me know! Be my amusement for Saturday night, I don’t mind. Hope everyone is having a great weekend so far and the weather is playing nice for you too.
The End of a Crazy Week
Friday is here… woo. Wish I was excited for Friday’s, but really doesn’t matter to me. I work generally 7 days a week, so weekends have disappeared over the years. I prefer working 7 days a week though and not having to work 8 hour shifts everyday, I still get to spend tons of time with the kids and the Hubby, while earning a decent income.
Today has been one of those days. This morning I woke up and anything was possible, but BAM! It all comes to a crashing halt. Not even 15 minutes on the treadmill and I get a massive headache. So of course this minimizes my want for working out. If anyone knows me they know the moment I have a headache I am down for the count. Headaches tend to make everything impossible, and usually in turn makes me feel deathly ill.
Well since I got a headache I didn’t just give up at the gym. I switched to a bike instead that had back support and continued that for about 30 minutes. I finally couldn’t handle it anymore so off we went. The kids were slightly more cooperative today to leave the gym for once.
I know exactly why I got the headache and I felt like a tool for doing it. I forgot to take my morning supplements that help me with the caffeine withdrawals, since I am not consuming caffeine items anymore. You might be thinking, caffeine withdrawals, ya right?… well it happens! Caffeine becomes something your body relies on each day and the moment you take it away you are going to withdrawal, and that means Mommy gets a headache.
Thank god for the wonderful Hubby! He let me curl up all afternoon in hope that I’d be feeling better by evening. Sorry sweetie, no luck! I am of course better then I was. Got out of bed, went and grabbed some dinner and came home to clean the ridiculously messy kitchen. Who knew Mommy taking a few hours off would lead to my kitchen going from slightly messy to an absolute disaster. Not no more at least.
This week has been a crazy one and next week is just going to be as crazy. Big day coming up soon, but not going to say until afterwards. You’ll understand why when you read it as to why I am not posting before hand. It is something my entire family and close friends are looking forward to, as am I. Yes Rachael… that day is coming up! Finger’s crossed.
So here is what I hope happens this weekend. In the town we live in there is a big festival like thing going on. Kempenfest!! Now this is not something we’ll attend in the evenings due to the amount of drunken baboons wandering the streets, but the day time is lots of fun for the family. The Hubby has never experienced Kempenfest so it will be interesting to take him to.
I love it! There are lots of vendors selling absolutely amazing things, especially art work. Fun activities for the kids, oh and lets not forget… COTTON CANDY!! My biggest weakness is cotton candy. I’ll eat it until I’m curling up in a ball with agonizing pain from it. I’ll make sure to take lots of pictures of this event and show you what we are going to experience.
Well,
The kids are in bed, the Hubby is working away… what shall I do? What any Mom is generally found doing on a Friday night, fold laundry, finish cleaning up, maybe bake a treat for tomorrow… yes quite exciting! But hey, I love my life so I can’t complain, until afterwards when someone makes a mess again.
Hope everyone has a great weekend, and for all you Canadians have a wonderful long weekend!! Cottagers feel free to not clog up the highways all weekend long and don’t be rude to us locals, we are nice if you are and will give you proper directions if you ask nicely 
but if you are not please expect to be going in the absolute wrong direction leading you at least an hour out before you discover you are lost once again.
Happy Sunday!
Well, it is finally Sunday and I’ve yet to feel like I had a successful week. The Hubby is home! That was a success in its own. Is great having him back with us and really don’t know what I’d do if he wasn’t apart of our lives.
So what are the plans for our Sunday? Well… it’s already half way through our day. None of us have gotten dressed, and I truly don’t think we will unless my Mom gives us a dingle and says “Come up for a swim!”.
Today I am planning on doing some wifely duties, you know. Cook, clean, foot rubs (ha! not) and get the kids out for a walk later hopefully. It has turned into a beautiful day which makes me itch to go outside more and more, but with the Hubby driving 16 hours yesterday I am not making any plans for him.
Well. As you know we’ve dealt with half our relationship being long distances and that is finally coming to an end! Quite exciting not having to say goodbye in a few weeks. Whether we stay in Canada or not I do not care as long as we are together. Home is where ever we make it.
Now you are probably wondering, why are you writing when he’s only been there for half a day? Because we are that big of geeks and sit on our computers a lot. That’s the joy of both of us working online, computers are an additional body part, alongside the phones, iPads and any other technology that is beneficial to our work.
So today is a special day for Rachael! Don’t worry Rachael no numbers are disclosed, but here it goes.
Happy Birthday Rachael!
That’s right. It is Rachael’s birthday so everyone best wish her a happy birthday today.
Wish I could have been there to bake you a fancy cake and have a girly afternoon. If you haven’t noticed everyone, I love to bake. I really do like cooking when I have others to cook for that eat something beyond hot dogs, fries and chicken fingers. When I am encountered with someone that has a good taste bud then I am bond to cook for them.
Menu for today’s dinner? Well the Hubby has decided he wants something very simple, yet so delicious. We shall see and I’ll let you know how it goes tomorrow. Maybe even get a few good pictures
Alright, by the sounds of the screaming coming from the back of the house Baby Girl has awoken from her mid-afternoon slumber so off I go to enjoy the rest of the day with my finally reunited family!
Happy Sunday!
Getting Through
As you can see I haven’t posted in awhile. Sorry everyone! Life has been quite crazy lately and I truly can not wait to just have a day of “nothing”. And by nothing I mean, yeah can’t even think of a day without nothing, so lets go with a day of less crazy. My days are always jam packed full of something.
Today is the day! The foreigner arrives and I can’t wait to see him. I haven’t posted recently for you to know why he is just arriving again. He left for almost a month (a long month at that) and is driving back home today! WOOT! This time the kids have done much better with him being gone. Very little battles about it and Wee Man had the opportunity to spend some blissful time at his Grandparent’s while Baby Girl and I had some adventures of our own.
So here is the run down of the past… month and a half… wow. Sorry again…
- Wedding in Orangeville (the foreigner’s last weekend with us)
- The Foreigner leaves (shed’s a few billion tears)
- Wee Man leaves for 5 days to play at Papa’s house
- Baby Girl and I go away for a weekend of beaches (Gravenhurst & Wasaga Beach)
- Mommy deals with 2nd & 3rd degree burns from beach (tanned nicely fyi)
- Family Dinner to pick up Wee Man
- Work (this is times by about a billion)
- Wee Man leaves for another 5 days
- Baby Girl goes to Eaton Center (in Toronto)
- A girls night on the back deck with wine and coolers (such a wonderful night it was!)
- Baby Girl & Mommy go Go Karting with Auntie Nic and family from England (mommy smashed up wrist in process, apparently we are speed demons and hit a wall too hard after Auntie Nic slammed into me)
- A trip to the great Vaughan Mills Mall (same day as Go Karting)
- Nail Day with all the girls and Kiddies (hot pink tipped nails=superb idea!)
Yes, it has been a busy month. It may not seem like a lot, but it sure has felt like it since a lot of it occurred over a section of days and then I had a few days of house errands and such.
Now today is Saturday! You’d think I’d be relaxing and just enjoying my weekend, but this is not happening. The Foreigner gets here in about 3 hours (he’s an hour away from the border currently.) He has been driving since 3am last night and it is 1:15pm now… guess he really misses us! My family keeps asking if he has hit his head… we all wonder some days. Either way I can’t wait to have him back and I know the kids are getting quite excited. Nap time has been somewhat of a write off today they are so excited.
Apparently the Foreigner wants his nickname on here changed (cause apparently he actually reads this *rolls eyes*) So everyone help me think of a new nickname. His suggestion was “My sexy awesome hubby”… It’s okay everyone I puked slightly in my mouth too. 
He is sexy, he is awesome and he will be my hubby soon… but his nickname has to be slightly amusing for my own enjoyment, as per why I’ve always called him the Foreigner.
Now you might be wondering, why the Foreigner? He’s American, I am Canadian (if you haven’t noticed by the locations I visit). We met through work and just fell in love. We’ve actually worked together for almost 2 years and our employer is the reason we started talking (Thanks!) My employer is actually Rachael’s husband So not only did I find myself a great job, but a great hubby and a family to go along with it. Even my Mother is working with us now… soon enough the business is going to be all family members. That’s if the Foreigner doesn’t smarten up and marries me *shhh*
So here is my days plans. I have got all dolled up finally. Figured I’d make myself look somewhat presentable with the arrival of the hubby today (hmm Hubby=Nickname?). Now just if he could teleport here faster. I’ve been up since 8am talking to him on the phone randomly just to help get him through the final stretch. We’ve discovered the drive is ridiculously long and dull, especially once he hits Erie in PA. From Erie to Buffalo is a long stretch. At least this time he’s not doing it at 12am. He’s going to get here, sit down and pass right out the poor guy. Hopefully the kids let him get some rest, but knowing them they’ll expect him in tip top order raring to go.
Alright, so as you can see I’ve had some very busy days lately. Getting through them all can be hard, but with the amazing support system I have it does make it easier. If I don’t have the Hubby helping me, I have my amazing friend Auntie Nic or my wonderful parents. Also get some good chats going with Rachael too when we aren’t both busy for five minutes (which is very rare). She’s a great friend and someone I love sitting talking to for hours on end about our days. We both live very busy lives which does make catching up hard, but when we do it is great. Will hopefully get to go visit her and her husband very soon!
Support is key to getting through my days. Even if it is a simple phone call for five minutes it helps. When the kids are my main company everyday not having any adult interaction gets hard. The Hubby pointed out this week that I even refer to me going to the bathroom as “potty”… yep. I am a full time Mom, what can I say.
Great news! In amongst all the crazy I have successfully potty trained Baby Girl!!! And Wee Man no longer wears night time diapers. My little guys are growing up so fast. Wee Man turns 4 on August 11th. Auntie Nic and I were just talking about the first day I brought him home the other day and how it’s felt like such a short time ago, and now he’s turning 4, starts school in September and is becoming such a big boy. Makes me tear up quite a bit, especially when I sit looking through all the old pictures I have. He will be that kid going to his first day of school with not only Mommy and Daddy, but Grama, Grampa and Auntie Nic!
My children could never say they are not loved with the amount of family around them all the time. Family is something I focus on and would die without. If you can’t have a relationship with your family, you can’t have a relationship with life (in my own opinion). Whether it is your own family, extended family or friends that have become family, it is family!
Well… looks like I had a lot to say. Sorry if I’ve bored any of you. I promise I will make an appoint to write more and post lots of photos of our adventures! With all the birthdays, first days of school and adventures we are about to start it is time that I get a little more going on here too.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend and enjoy every moment of it. Live you days like it is the last.
The Benefits of Exercising with your child
If you are like most parents you would love to be able to fit exercising into your daily schedule but for most of us that just isn’t a reality. Well what if I told you there was a way to do exercise and involve the kids – wouldn’t that make life easier ? And what if I told you about all the amazing benefits of exercise not only for you but for your kids too – would you do it then ?
Regular physical activity has some amazing benefits for both parents and children alike. First, let’s start with the fact that there is a link between regular physical activity and increased immunity which means your family may be better suited to fight off colds and flu. Some other benefits for parents are an increased amount of energy, reduced stress, a boost in your mood, and it helps you maintain a healthy weight – sounds like an amazing scenario to me! Kids who are physically active have stronger muscles, are less likely to become overweight and here’s the real bonus – they sleep better!
So what kind of physical activities can parents are kids do together? Well that all depends on the age of your child. One way the whole family can exercise together is to spend some time in the pool. Now, don’t expect to be able to do laps but instead play marco polo, or start helping you little one learn how to swim (the monkey wall crawl is good exercise). Another fun activity is to go to the park and push your kids on the swing or climb around the jungle gym with them. If you just want to stay home then a great activity is to dance! It’s amazing how you can work up a sweat just dancing around the house and being silly. Some other things we do at home are wash the car, play hop scotch, jump rope, and play hide and seek. If the weather is nice bike riding is a wonderful activity and also just taking a walk around the block can be educational as well as good exercise. My kids love to point out all the dogs, birds, ducks and any other animal that my cross our path. The possibilities are endless – so just try to get out there!
Exercise has some great benefits and Mommy Matter knows this. Let us know what kind of exercise you enjoying doing with your kids!
TOMS Shoes
TOMS shoes is built on the one for one company movement. They were founded on one promise that with every pair of shoes purchased, they would then donate a free pair to an underprivledged child in need. What an amazing company that allows us as consumers a part of something special.
Besides for being Vegan shoes and super comfy and adorable, TOMS shoes are special. They are founded on a promise made by Blake Mycoskie. In 2006, Blake traveled to Argentina where he found that the majority of children had no shoes to protect their feet. In poorer and underdeveloped countries, walking is a primary means of transportation. Children walk miles for food, water, shelter and even medical attention. Having shoes allows them to walk distances that just are not possible with bare feet. From walking barefoot the children get sores and cuts on their feet causing them to walk on open wounds.
The leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted parasites. These parasites penetrate the skin through open sores which causes disease and often grounds for amputation. Many children cannot even attend school because they don’t have shoes and shoes are a requirement. Therefore, no shoes means no school, which means no education and ultimately no opportunity for a future.
After Blake returned home from Argentina he developed TOMS Shoes where he vowed to donate one pair of shoes to a child for every pair purchased. Later that year he returned to Argentina with over 10,000 pair of shoes already. A great accomplishment he was able to achieve through this customers. As of 2008 he has donated over 150,000 pairs of shoes and hopes to donate over 300,000 pairs of shoes by the end of 2009 all around the world.
TOMS shoes come in endless colors and fabrics for women, men and children. The soles are made from recycled rubber and organic canvas is coming soon. These shoes are so fun and go with anything. They are meant to wear barefoot and are super comfortable! The price averages from $48-$98 and they now have boots! These boots are the most adorable things that can be worn in cold or warm weather. They come in various colors and are 100% cotton. They’re a wrap boot which means they are ultimately a shoe with a long fabric elastic wrap that extends from the ankle, wrapped around your calve with a velcro closure.
I bought my first pair of TOMS Shoes when I made the transition to being a Vegetarian since it’s not all that easy to find shoes without any animal product on them. I was a bit skeptical because shoes I order never seem to be comfortable but they really are. It’s almost like being barefoot with a shoe if that makes any sense at all. I only decided to write this review on them since I’m sitting here pondering what color of boots to order. Next time you’re looking for a cute and comfortable pair of shoes check out TOMS Shoes and be a part of a special movement to impact the future and health of a child’s life.
If you go to TOMS shoes website you can enter the shoe drop sweepstakes at Toms Shoes with no purchase necessary. On July 7th, 2010 a drawing will be held for one amazingly lucky winner to win a trip to a shoe drop with TOMS shoes in Argentina. The trip will take place between July and December 2010. Imagine the experience of meeting these beautiful children with sores on their feet and giving them shoes. That is a feeling that could only melt your heart.
Get your very own TOMS Shoes now! We are now offering TOMS Shoes Coupons so that you can help the cause with us and make a difference in the world.
How to Deal with Mommy Burnout
Even though the label sounds kind of silly, maybe even a little funny, the truth is that Mommy Burnout is not usually silly or funny to the Mother who is experiencing it. Feeling annoyed by the common activities, responsibilities, and equipment that goes along with being a Mother, can be quite disheartening to a woman who wants so much to be the best Mother she can be to her children. Mothers who experience Mommy Burnout don’t typically find much, if any, humor in the fact. Instead, they often feel guilty for not enjoying all things associated with their children. For those suffering from a bout of Mommy Burnout, the following tips might help shorten this episode, and prove that it isn’t necessary to be guilt ridden over it.
Tip #1 – It’s Normal
Just because you have recently become completely annoyed by every Disney movie ever made, have a nearly uncontrollable urge to rid your home of every Duplo block and Weeble, are growing ever more irritated by the seemingly endless collections of worksheets and flyers coming home in your child’s backpack, and are genuinely concerned that your head is going to split open like the guy in the movie “Scanners” if you have to listen to one more episode of Little Einsteins or hear one more child ask for the gazillionth time if they can have another drink of water before bed, don’t be too discouraged.
The truth is, that just about every parent feels this way sometimes. Often, the feelings are more intense in Mothers simply because they are commonly the parent who spends more time with the children, and handles more of the responsibilities concerning them. You are not a bad Mom just because you feel at times that you can’t stand another minute filled with toys, children’s movies, or bickering kids. You are just a real Mom.
Tip #2 – It Will Pass
When a Mom experiences Mommy Burnout for the first time, she may think that she has changed permanently. But the truth is, that Mommy Burnout typically occurs in waves, and the episodes seem to fade within a few days.
It is important to remember that these intense feelings of dislike for the work and responsibilities of raising children are almost always temporary. You may never really enjoy cleaning up after them or listening to them squabble, but you probably won’t feel intensely repelled by it most of the time, the way one does when going through a bout of Mommy Burnout. It is important to give yourself permission to feel this way, reminding yourself that the feelings are temporary. Oh, they’ll be back, to be sure! But probably not for a while.
Tip #3 – Take Breaks
To take the edge off of the intense negative feelings that can accompany an episode of Mommy Burnout, it can be quite helpful and effective to give yourself a break from as many child-oriented issues as you can. Consider not turning on any kid movies or programming unless you can spend time in another room away from it, resorting to easily prepared meals for a few days, and even getting away for a couple of hours to shop for yourself or spend time with a friend. Sometimes, something as simple as a couple of hours completely away from anything having to do with the kids can cure a case of Mommy Burnout.
Tip #4 – Make Changes
It is also possible to ward off some future episodes of Mommy Burnout by making some changes around your home. For instance, instead of keeping toys or a toy box in the living room, try storing toys away from the rooms that you spend most of your time in.
This might mean turning an extra room or enclosed porch into a play room, or moving the toy box to the den. It can make a huge difference for a Mom who is prone to bouts of Mommy burnout to make changes around the home that leave her in a position of not having to stare at, step on, or wade through, toys and other equipment belonging to her children, in every room of the house.
Consider allowing the children to watch their movies and programming in another room. Perhaps you have a den where they can watch what they want. Different parents feel differently about allowing a television in their child’s bedroom, so you will have to make your own call on that one. There are definitely pros and cons.
If you don’t have a den or extra space for the children to watch television in an area other than the living room, and are concerned that they will watch a television in their room more than you have given them permission to, you can either keep a small television on a rolling cart that can be moved in and out of their room, or even purchase one of the portable DVD players. The screen is small, it’s true, but it gives you the flexibility of removing the television when you don’t want them watching it.
Make time for yourself. This is next to impossible for some Mothers, but even half an hour alone in the bath can help restore some sanity to a frazzled Mom. If you have younger children, consider a bicycle and bike trailer. Even though you have to take the children along on the bike ride with you, they are generally very relaxed and quiet in a bike trailer, and you can almost feel like you are getting some time alone! Add to that, the fact that you’ll be outside breathing fresh air and getting some exercise, it can be a win-win situation for everyone!
Have you expected a Mommy Burnout? Let us know at Mommy Matter how you got through it now…
Mommy Time – a Necessity!
Despite Any Guilt You Feel, Mommy Time is Necessary to Your Health
Mothers are people that understand the word “sacrifice” better than most. Mommies are responsible for dinner, laundry, general house cleaning, play time, pet tending, bathing, dressing, diapering, potty training, taxi duty, husband wrangling, appointment checker, and the list goes on. As I write this article, I have to actually think of the last time I took a shower and the last time that I took a shower that did not involve hearing “Mommy!” or have a inquisitive face peek through the curtain.
Motherhood as a rule is centered around the home and providing for everyone but yourself. However, it is important that a mother never denies herself time to herself or “Mommy” time as it is so aptly referred to. This time gives the Mom time to relax for a bit and do something that is solely for themselves. Mommy time is vital for collecting thoughts, easing stress, and getting to know yourself. People who aren’t “Mom” forget your individual identity when you are constantly referred to as Mommy or Honey. There are more than a few ways to get this time in the crazy world you call home
Have your husband/boyfriend/partner corral the darling or darlings in one room with a movie or play time and go soak in a hot tub with candles and bath salts. Make it known to your husband that unless someone is bleeding or gravely injured, he is not to bother you.
Go grocery shopping by yourself. (once again you have to rely on your husband/boyfriend/partner or babysitter) Aside from the time alone and being able to take your time at shopping, you’d be surprised how much money you save when you’re not discovering odd things showing up in your cart. My son likes toothbrushes and hair clips. We have a lot of those.
Go for a walk or a drive.
Call your girlfriends and combine your sitters. Go out and have a girl’s night, a girl’s lunch or a girl’s manicure, pedicure, or massage.
When your children are napping (if they still are napping), ignore the laundry for once. It is much better if you are rested than if you are tired, stressed and corralling those sweethearts that turn into monsters at 8 o’clock.
It is never ever selfish to want time to yourself. Contrary to what anyone tells you, Mommy time helps you to be happy, healthy, and helps you to be able to be Mommy and wife or girlfriend.
Mommy time is a necessity and Mommy Matter knows this. Let us know how you get through motherhood today!
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