Let’s also work on ending the guilt we feel constantly as parents. You know that guilt you feel when your house looks like a tornado blew through it, but you binge watch that new Netflix show? Or when your so tired your kid watches too many episodes of paw patrol? Or when you eat even more of that fudge from Christmas even though you want to lose the baby weight? Yeah that guilt… let’s stop it.
Right this second I’m sitting at the YMCA, blogging. Not working out or doing anything even remotely active (unless rocking the car seat with my foot counts). I dropped Lucy off at the childcare area and had every intention of putting Odette in my wrap and walking…. But she’s asleep… And we all know you don’t wake a sleeping baby.
As I was sitting here reading I started to feel the guilt creep in. I basically dropped my toddler off at childcare so I could sit in silence when I should be doing something active. Thoughts in my mind of how I’m ever going to get in shape again, how it seems awful to have someone else watch my kid while I’m doing nothing, on and on.
Then I realized, what the heck? I pay for the ymca membership, why do I feel guilty for using it even if it’s just for the childcare? Why am I worrying about physical health when mental health is just as important, and having silent time to read is definitely good for mental health.
Honestly, we need to stop ourselves from feeling this way. In 10 years from now my child isn’t going to be upset about that day that she got to play with other kids while I sat down and read. If anything, she would be happy mom had the mental break so I had more energy to play when we go home. Kids also aren’t going to remember the one time we didn’t sweep the floor or do the dishes because we were tired, or ordered take out again because the idea of making dinner is too much to handle.
Of course, it’s all about balance. We do have to remember our physical well being, to engage our children instead dog plopping them in front of the TV, to keep our house at least tidy enough that guests don’t feel like they need to put on a hazmat suit when they enter, etc. But on the days where you’re exhausted and need a break? Take it.
You’re mental health will thank you.
Musings of a Small Town Mom 