We often find ourselves alone with out little ones while Daddy is working, out of town and for some Mommas, out of the picture. The days can be long and lonely. We get tired and impatient. One of the most important thing for us Momma's is to teach and find joy in the monotonous tasks everyday. Here are a few practical ideas to implement when you feel like you just can't do it anymore and it needs to be bedtime at 4pm!
1. Take a long bath with your baby or throw all your kids in the tub. I draw a hot bath with lavender and bubbles, no matter what time of day if I feel like I need a break. Annabelle and I can sit and play for an hour easily. We sing funny songs, make bubble hats, learn the colors of all the bath toys and count them when we put them away. We learn the names of the human anatomy and learn to brush our teeth.
2. Play outside or go for a long walk. It sure would be stressful to keep our kids clean all the time. I get my cup of coffee and let Annabelle play outside. She picks up little flowers, vines, rocks, plants and we pull them apart and count the seeds. We water the flowers and watch them grow. It's very relaxing to play outside and if kids are restless they should go outside and play more often.
3. Have a picnic. I like to have meals at the table with Great Granny so she learns to sit and be patient, but sometimes its good to have a picnic on the floor with all your stuffed animals. Boiled eggs, plain yogurt, toast with nut butter and bannanas make a great, easy and healthy breakfasts for children with little prep and quick clean up.
4. Go to an indoor play place. Some days I feel like I just have to get out of the house after a long day of whining. Go to Chic Fil A and enjoy the indoor play area with other kids. By the time you get home, it will be time for a bath and bed.
5. Clean something together. I think this needs to be implemented very young and should always be fun with singing and praise. Small children can help vacuum, dust, put away dishes, wash the floor, really anything! Many hands will make light work and the children will see they have a part and responsibility in your home.
6. Cook and bake together. We count the eggs as we crack them in the pan, shake in the spices, stir the soup and whip the potatoes! Sometimes we make a big mess, and I never get upset about that, because then afterwards, we have fun cleaning it up.Newborns can be worn and involved as well!
7. Have a dance party. We put on music, I hold her hands and snuggle my little girl and dance!
8. Have one date night a week and or a planned outing with no kids. Its important to nurture your relationship, and also have some sanity. You do exist outside your children. What did you enjoy before children? Make a scheduled date night you'll look forward to all week, or a time out of the house with friends. You'll come back feeling refreshed and ready for a new day.
9. Take time for yourself everyday. Whether its closing your eyes to pray, call your mom, Workout, draw, yoga, meditation, listening to an audio book while you do the dishes, or all of the above, you can find time to care for yourself in busy motherhood.
The best way you can take care of yourself is to choose joy.
What activities do you make part of your everyday life to help with the long days?
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