I'm a mom, but I'm also a person.
Hey there, fellow moms of teens! Let’s level with each other for a moment. Yes, we're chauffeurs to football practice, chaperones at concerts, and round-the-clock cheerleaders, but we've also got lives outside of our (not-so) little ones. Can you picture me nestled into the couch, delving into the newest Netflix docuseries, or typing up the latest post for my blog? Or how about giggling over a latte with my friends as we swap our latest teenager-induced grey hair stories?
You bet, we have interests that expand beyond our teenagers' world!
Now comes the million-dollar question: how do we snatch that elusive "me time"? It can feel like we're forever running a marathon, managing our semi-independent, opinionated teens, and holding down the family fort. It’s like spinning plates while tap-dancing on a tightrope.
But let’s make no mistake, scooping out some ‘me time’ isn’t self-indulgent—it's survival. Think of it as securing our own life vest before helping others. When we prioritize our wellbeing, we're more equipped to navigate the stormy seas of raising teenagers. Plus, we're generally happier, more chilled-out versions of ourselves—something our families can definitely appreciate!
So how do I find time for myself? Here are a few tips:
- Set boundaries. It's important to set boundaries with my family and friends so that I have time for myself. This means saying no to requests that I don't have time for, and setting aside specific times for myself each day or week. For example, I might tell my friends that I can only meet up for coffee on Wednesdays after school, or that I need an hour each night to read a book before bed.
- Delegate tasks. If I have a partner or other family members who can help out, I delegate tasks to them so that I have more free time. This could include things like cooking, cleaning, or taking care of the kids. For example, I might ask my partner to take the kids to the park on Saturday mornings, or I might ask my mom to watch the kids for a few hours on Sunday so I can go shopping.
- Take breaks. Even if I'm busy, it's important to take breaks throughout the day. This could mean taking a few minutes to relax and breathe, or taking a longer break to do something I enjoy. For example, I might take a few minutes to sit in my backyard and read a book, or I might take a longer break to go for a walk or get a massage.
- Schedule time for myself. Just like I would schedule any other important appointment, I schedule time for myself each week. This could be anything from going for a walk to reading a book to getting a massage. For example, I might block off an hour each Sunday afternoon to relax and recharge, or I might schedule a weekly date night with my partner.
- Don't feel guilty. It's important to remember that it's okay to take time for myself. I deserve it! Taking time for myself will help me recharge and be a better mom.
"Keep taking time for yourself until you are you again.” -unknown
Navigating the me-time maze can feel like mastering a Rubik's Cube blindfolded—challenging, to say the least. But hey, we've survived diaper catastrophes and teenage tantrums—we've got this too! Prioritizing my self-care isn't just a line item on my to-do list; it's a non-negotiable appointment in my daily planner.
Let's get one thing straight; a refreshed, rejuvenated mom equals a happier, healthier family. So, as we tread the adventurous path of raising teens, let's make a pact—to celebrate ourselves as much as we celebrate our kids. Because the better we feel, the better we parent. And isn't that what this rollercoaster ride is all about?
Hey there, brave souls navigating the world of teen parenting! How do you carve out your own slice of 'me-time'? Got any boundary-setting hacks or sanity-saving rituals to share? Drop your wisdom in the comments below—we're all in this together, after all. And don't forget, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more heartfelt, relatable mom-tales, and nuggets of parenting wisdom delivered straight to your inbox! Remember, at mom culture we're not just raising good humans, we're looking after their incredible moms too.
