This one won't save you money, but it might save your sanity. When I first became a stay at home mom, I spent my son's nap time getting as much housework done as I possibly could. I felt that clock ticking, and needed to hurry so that at the end of the day I could see some concrete evidence of my hard work. I also had the absurd idea that a stay at home mom should be able to do it all during the day-cleaning, cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, errands, etc. After all, you do have 40 hours a week right? Oh how I laugh at my naivete, really I was clueless.
It took a couple of years, but I have now realized the power of a well-used nap time, and by well-used I mean not used at all. Taking some time to relax does a tremendous amount for making me a better mother. It gives me patience, more energy and increases my overall happiness. And everyone knows, if mama isn't happy then no one is happy. Now I will spend that time writing on this blog, reading, listening to music or sitting outside. Some days I even go so far as to unplug the phone, both to get some quiet time and to ensure it doesn't wake the kids early.
Whatever it is that helps you recharge, I encourage you to make time for that when/if you're able to get the kids to sleep. You may not have a sparkling house (who does with children anyway?) but I can promise you will have a happier family!
Awesome! I take a nap almost every day :-)
ReplyDelete