A Time Out for Mommy

I am a time out mom. Time outs work for us. It isn't always a sit in the corner time out, sometimes it's more of a sit quietly and color or just take a breather by yourself. This does not just apply to Mady (Brynn is still a bit young), but it also is for Mommy and Daddy. Every parent can tell you there are just moments when it's too much. The crying, the whining, the messiness, it all just gets overwhelming at times. No matter how much you love you kids, you need a break.

I don't get a long break often. An occasional trip to the grocery by myself, locking myself in the bathroom for 10 min, a quiet nap time with no cleaning required. Those are what I can hope for most of the time. They are little time outs throughout the day. A few minutes where no one needs me (although sometimes they cry like they do). But on occasion even the most patient and best mommies and daddies need a longer time out. A couple weekends ago Steven got to go to a movie and next weekend he is going to a football game, so I decided that this past weekend I was going to go out. So that's what I did. Saturday morning I told Steven I would be home by nap and I left. I went to the mall. I tried on clothes all over. I took my time picking things out. Searching through all the wonderful sales. I found new shirts, which was nice after I gutted my closet and drawers of all the clothes that are too big. I am left with just 1 fitting skirt and 2 fitting jeans right now. So I had plenty of room to hang new clothes. When I got home a few hours later I felt better. I felt ready to tackle the weekend.

I go way too long without taking a long time out. Don't be like me. Plan your time so you can take a break once a month or so. Do something just for you. This applies even if you don't have kids. You may be constantly working or doing school or helping others. You deserve a break for yourself. Take one.