One of the things that amazes me about being a parent, especially the parent of a young child, is how draining it can be. When Tyler was born I expected the early years to drain me of energy but I figured as he aged and was able to do more for himself I would once again have the energy I had in my pre-baby days. NOT!
It really does not get much better. Not only do you have your needs to take care of but the needs of a small walking, talking human. The past few months I have been preparing to move back to New Orleans and it’s been rough between the planning, maintaining a semi-regular writing schedule and amusing Tyler. Some days I don’t know if I am coming or going. What keeps me going is the realization that soon things will be back to as close to normal as it was before Katrina. As parents, we have to refuel often in order for us to perform at our optimal capacity. But how? Family psychologist Steve Biddulph offers these suggestions:
1. Exchange baby-sitting duties with another parent or couple.
2. Practice the art of being boring– your kids might actually leave you alone for a while.
3. Spend at least 30 minutes of “full-attention” time daily with each of your kids.
4. Spend lots of time with other parents.
5. Spend time doing at least one activity that is not parent oriented but instead is an “adult satisfying activity”.
6. Use daycare facilities for “self-time”. If you take a day off from work, don’t keep your kids home from daycare and don’t always use your time off for running errands.
7. Play your music and cook the kinds of food you like to eat sometimes instead of always cooking foods your kids like.
8. Read a good book at night before bedtime.
9. Don’t stress too much over having a tidy house.
10. Take advantage of available help found in your community such as parenting classes, playgroups, sports, etc.
See also:
Sneaking Me Time Into Your Day