As single parents, we are often in need of a little rest and respite. Sure a week or two laying on a warm beach or curled up in a secluded cabin with someone waiting on our every need might be nice–but not very practical or likely for most of us. After nearly two decades of parenting, working, and “the drill”–I have learned that a warm, sudsy bath or a little nap can do wonders to keep this single parent functioning.
It might sound obvious and simple–but slipping into a warm bath and soaking for ten minutes after work or before bed can be an amazing de-stressor. When my kids were younger, I would put in a 30-minute video for them, and take a hot bath and then I was fresh and rejuvenated enough for the rest of the evening’s parenting!
Likewise, I truly believe that naps can do wonders. I know that many single parents think it is impossible to get a nap and still stay the ever-diligent parent. After all, how many times have we read in the paper of the two-year-old wandering the streets or falling in a well or a five-year-old driving a car because the babysitter fell asleep? It does not have to be a deep two-hour nap–but a lucid nap on the grass during your child’s soccer practice, or a quick snooze while your child is playing nearby on the floor can be just what you need. I used to play this game with my three young ones when I was really exhausted–I would get down on the floor, laying on my belly and they would “wrestle” me–trying to turn me over. It was like getting a massage and sneaking in a little nap all at the same time and they had a great time rough-housing all over and around me. Of course, this only worked when they were little and a mom has to protect her face so she doesn’t get an elbow to the eye!
Take a bath, find time for a nap–you will be amazed at how it helps you regroup and rejuvenate to face the demands of single parenthood.
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