Adventures in Parenting

Is parenting the most rewarding job in the world?

Absolutely!

Is is the easiest job in the world?

I wish it was, and I wish good and effective parenting comes naturally.

But the truth is, being a parent is exhausting. We have to be constantly alert, we have to make quick on-the-spot decisions, and we are called upon to wear many hats within the course of a few hours.

Once in a while, we just need a break.

So on this Day 13 of our 30 Days to Better Parenting Challenge, we are going to do take some time to rejuvenate ourselves. Set aside at least 3 hours, more if you can manage it, exclusively for ourselves. Think of something you’d really like to do for yourself – get your hair done, go to a spa, have lunch with a friend, go to the adult section of the library instead of the children’s department. Oh, I am sure we do not lack ideas of what we can do!

“That’s impossible!” You say, “I can barely have 10 minutes to go the bathroom. Where can I find 3 hours?”

I know for a parent, carving a chunk of leisure time for ourselves is probably the biggest challenge so far in this 30 Days to Better Parenting Challenge.

Not taking time for yourself is one of the Biggest Mistakes of a good parent. Being the good parent that we are, we think we need to be everywhere, every time, do everything. We feel guilty when we do something for ourselves.

When my children were small, I never wanted to leave them. The only time I had a babysitter was to give me time to take a nap in the next room. When I do go out, I was anxious to get back. I was not obsessed about them. I truly wanted to be with them and my greatest joy was to be with them.

But now I realize it is probably the biggest mistake I made.

When I did not take care of myself, I got cranky and ugly. I think I would’ve been much more patient, fun, and energetic if I took the time to rejuvenate. And absence from my kids wouldn’t kill me. It would only make my heart grow fonder and appreciate my children more.

There is no excuse about not being able to make arrangements for babysitting. Call a friend, ask your mom, pay a teenager, whatever it takes, you need to get out for a few hours.

Some of you might feel like you don’t want to come back home to the chaos after the time away! That is certainly how I feel many times. But when the dust settles, I know that there is no place I’d rather be than to be there, at home with my family.