I have developed a new mom pep peeve.
It absolutely drives me nuts when my kids just yell, “Mom!” from whatever room they are in and expect me to come running. They don’t even try to look for me. And if I don’t respond quickly enough, they will yell again. And, of course, it’s usually when I’m in the middle of doing something: laundry, dishes, cooking, etc.
Sometimes you need a break. Sometimes you just have to lock yourself in the bathroom.
Moms are usually the ones who are with their children the most. This is especially true for stay-at-home-moms like me. And sometime, those little angels we gave birth to, can wear us down!
Honestly, when I get flustered and annoyed from many hours of hearing Pokemon stories and listening to my daughter’s animal noises, my attitude starts to suffer. My nerves feel frayed like the end of a string that has been jabbed through a bead one too many times.
Sometimes Scripture and praise music can’t find it’s way to my heart and brain because I am too exhausted. The circuit between how I act and how I know I’m supposed to act breaks down.
Sometimes what you need is a time out yourself.
Getting time to yourself as a mom can also be challenging. Through the years I have found a few ways to achieve this without employing a baby sitter. But if you can get a babysitter, get one. Do not feel bad! Mom mental health is a priority!
MOPS! My mothers of preschoolers group provides a wonderful time for me to send my kids off to play and for me to talk with moms in the same season of life. Click here to find a MOPS group near you! https://www.mops.org/groupsearch/
Playdates! Invite a friend and her kids over. This might not sound relaxing, but in my experience, kids entertain each other. You and the mom can talk while the kids play. All you will have to do is referee the occasional spat.
Church! Go to church! Send your kids to the nursery or to Sunday School. Fill your tank while your kids learn about God. Win Win!
Do something that gives you joy Now! This is an idea I found in Alli Worthington’s book Fierce Faith. Sometimes when you are grumpy, you just have to stop and do one thing you enjoy. Take a walk outside your house. Your kids will be fine for 2 minutes. Read a book for a little bit. Play a song on the piano (if you can). Work on a craft project (if you’re crafty). Whatever you enjoy, just take a little time and do it!
Maintain a quiet time with God! Even if you can only spare 5-10 minutes, have a quiet time. I have found that on the days I make this a priority, I have so much more patience and kindness. It flows out of me so much easier. All the circuits in my brain stay better connected.
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'” – Matt. 11:28-29, NLT
In order to receive rest, we have to do things Jesus’ way. He says we need come to Him and let Him teach us. Doing life according to the Bible may seem like a list of rules, but that’s a lie Satan uses to keep you from getting closer to God. Jesus said, “my yoke is easy because I am humble and gentle at heart.” He wants to give us rest, and when we come to Him, we are refreshed.
Going to Jesus is the best time out.
