Parents Need Time-Outs, Too
The other day was just “one of those days.” You know the kind? The kids were wound tighter than a spool of thread, they had WAY too much rambunctious energy to be safely contained within four walls and before you could even say “peanut-butter sandwich” things just started to melt down.
I hastily slapped some sandwiches together and tossed a couple of apples in the bag and exited stage left to expend some of this energy at a nearby park (one of our favorite diversions).
In spite of playing hard outside all morning, my kids still were a bit on the cantankerous side. By the end of the day, I was just spent! I needed a time out!
Mommy’s Time Out
As soon as my husband got home, I put on my walking shoes and bid him good luck and adieu. I had to get out of the house and have a moment to myself. While I absolutely adore being a mom and I love my boys more than I ever knew possible some days I just need a break to be me!
When I got back from 15 minutes of sweet solitude I felt positively transformed. Here are three positive “unspoken” messages you give you child when you take a time out for yourself:
- I value myself as a human being and will take care of myself first so I can care for those I love.
- I recognize my emotions of frustration and I am dealing with them in a positive manner.
- I feel better about myself and my situation when I take time for myself, even if it is only 5 minutes.
Because our children learn from our actions, these are powerful messages to give them and sets up the footsteps for them to follow in.
60 Second Parenting Tip:
Take a time out for yourself. It can be as short as 60 seconds, but that minute will be enough for you to fill your own cup first. If your cup is empty, you won’t have anything to give to your kids or family. It’s that important.
