How do you mothers get time for yourselves?

Question

To destress from the stresses of having kids?

Answer 1

After the children go to bed I spend time soaking in the tub or doing my nails, or even getting on the computer and chatting with friends

Answer 2

Sometimes the things that seem obvious work wonders. I have a 3 and 1 year old, and I have just recently started writing a list at the beginning of each day of what I need to do (including washing, dishes, etc). I also get my three year old to tell me if there is anything specific he wants to do with me (like art and craft time, etc). Getting him involved makes him realise what needs to be done, then I let the kids help me with the chores. Give them a cloth and let them wipe the bathtub, etc.
The point of this is, firstly, things seem to get done so much faster with a list! Secondly, it means when the kids are napping I have already done my chores and can have proper 'Me' time.
Also, I have just started an adults ballet class once a week in the evening (or whatever else interests you). Its only for an hour once a week, but my hubby drops me off and takes the kids to the park while waiting for me to finish (so he doesnt feel too much likes hes babysitting) and it really makes a difference to how much time I feel I am getting to myself.

Answer 3

I have three under 9. My time starts at 8:30 pm when they all go to bed. I have "me" time to either watch what I want to watch on tv or play on the computer. If I need to de-stress during the day, once the baby does down for her nap every day, if it is nice out I make the other 2 play outside or I either turn off the tv and they can find a quiet activity at the table or their room or I have them decide together on a movie and they have to sit and watch it. If they get loud or get up, then last option is they can rest (not necessarily sleep) in bed for "quiet time." This helps me and the kids re-group if we are having a loud, stressful day.

Answer 4

Time to myself? What's that again? Honestly, right now is the only time I have for myself. I'm waiting for my husband to get home so I can jump in the shower without worrying one of my kids will get sick or fall out of bed. My husband has worked 13 days straight, three of those out of town, the rest being 12 hour days. My kids have all been sick with this stupid virus going around and I would probably be sick if I had time=)

Actually, I get a few hours by myself after I drop my kids off on Saturday at their grandparents and I go to school. I needed an outlet and I found that to be the best one for me. I have an hour drive back and forth and I eat lunch by myself, just for the quiet time.

Answer 5

Hard question to answer.....
Myself I have two kids 28 mo and 7 mo. I am taking time right now to answer thisquestion, but they are right here, and I must be keeping an eye on them too. To me that does not constitute "time to myself".
What SHOULD happen is dad takes over the responsibilities, or I should leave them with a sitter that I trust. (family member or friend) but in my situation this is not possible, or does not happen.
I encourage you to exploe your options, as I get very stressed, and almost have mini breakdowns. Remember when you are feeling stressed that it is not your childrens or spouses fault (as much as it may seem at the time LOL) and breathe. One very good thing I have learned is when you have exausted all means to get baby to stop crying, put her down and go away for a few minutes. My baby sometimes just needs to cry :( and as much as this makes me feel horrible as a mother, I remember that sometimes all I need to do is cry, and I feel much better :)

Answer 6

NAPTIME....my 5 yr old son also goes to school, that's a help. ( I have a 1 yr old daughter as well) But he only goes a 1/2 day...:o(....lol....he gets home @ 12:30, and they play for about an hour 1/2, then take naps at 2. Then bedtime is at 8:30. I'm a night person, so I have plenty time to unwind and relax starting at about 9. (the dishes and living room are usually clean by then) Long baths, tv, books, ps2 games, the computer...i love it all!

Answer 7

I have one child and he is Autistic, but he is school aged, so when he is in school, I have plenty of time to destress, but then usually I need a little more time to myself after he goes to bed so I take it then as well.

My past times that help me detress are doing research or reading. Sometimes I blog about my day and about what is going on in our lives. I write my deepest thoughts in a journal, or rather I type them and put it in a journal.

Answer 8

I'm sorry, I am very confused by your question- or maybe it's the concept portrayed in the question that is foreign to me. I very rarely get time to myself- and when I do, it's because I begged, pleaded, or bribed someone to watch my daughter so that i could have the time. And even then, I don't enjoy the time properly- I always have something else I have to finish up like laundry or organizing my daughter's room and getting rid of old toys or clothes- something I can't do when she is around. You really have to plan time for yourslef and schedule it in just like you do everything else in your life. Other wise the priorority that it "personal time" gets pushed right back down to the bottom of the list. I try to give myself time, but it rarely happens.

Answer 9

It's ruff and very rare. But usually when my son is in bed or sometimes (very rarely) I will take the day off of work and while he is at school and daycare I will relax and do what ever I want to do until he comes home. Once in a great while I will find a babysitter and go out and do mom things. It's ruff being mommy but it's worth it!!

Answer 10

I've joined & started a couple of mom & children playdate groups through yahoo. Those friendships have lead to mom's night out's!! They are nice about once a month! You need to get away sometimes & it really helps! Just a suggestion.