Moms - Get More Energy Now
Let's be honest! When it comes to parenting, men expect their
wives or partners to do the lion's share.
There are signs that we're moving toward a more enlightened age
in which ALL parents play their part.
But in the meantime, let's concentrate on some help for tired
moms.
Apparently the number one question mothers ask their doctors is,
"How can I get more energy?"
Fatigue is a serious problem when it robs us of our happiness,
our sense of balance, and even our effective parenting skills.
So what's the answer?
Ironically, the best way to overcome the energy crisis is to
first of all spend just a little bit more time and
energy. But hang in there! It will pay great dividends in a
short time.
The first area to tackle is managing the household. Too
many mothers do too much work.
And that's not fair!
Divide up the chores so that everyone pulls their weight. Even
young kids can be involved.
I know of one family who have a game of 'Lorries' (or 'Trucks')
when the rooms need tidied. Mum is the boss. She lines the kids
up and 'loads' them with toys, books, magazines, the ironing -
whatever needs to be tidied - and the kids are then 'dispatched'
to make their deliveries.
Yes, a bit of training may be required - especially on how to
carry and put away newly ironed clothes! - but with practice and
perseverance kids can learn.
A chart can record contributions, with the promise of a reward
at the end of the week. A trip to the cinema, the swimming pool
or ice-skating, a special treat at dinner - it doesn't matter,
so long as you honour the commitments made!
With the household chores now being managed effectively, the
next step is to build in some QRT - Quality Recovery
Time.
Insist on it. Demand it! Yell from the rooftops if necessary,
but make sure you get your entitled share of time-out.
And it must suit YOU. What's good for one person won't
necessarily suit another. To my wife, for example, the T in RT
stands for Retail Therapy. Shopping malls are just not my
scene, so to me it stands for Torture!
Individual time-out, then, means doing whatever is important to
you. Many women like to have a 'general pampering' session,
ranging from a bath with scented candles and soft music to
working out at the gym.
So where does the time for these individual sessions come
from?
This is when you call on partners, extended family or friends.
Sharing the kids' supervision with trusted friends is a great
idea. You take their kids with yours on an outing one time, and
they take yours the next. This frees up time for individual
relaxation, or gives you and your spouse or partner a chance to
relax away from it all.
So - get organised. Run your household with a clearly defined
routine.
Have family outings and/or activities where you all relax and
enjoy each other as a family unit.
Call on family or friends to share the load, and enjoy some
well-deserved time-out with your spouse or partner, AND build in
some personal QRT when you do what suits you and ONLY you.
If your lifestyle follows this pattern, your energy levels will
take care of themselves.
Happy parenting!