| Remember when you thought everything would be so | | | | mothers who live nearby and have similar lifestyles. |
| much better once you were all grown up? You could | | | | 2. Offer your talents to others. What better way to |
| eat pizza for breakfast and be able to stay up all night | | | | get a break than to ask someone else to take your |
| long. But, we have ended up going to bed at a certain | | | | place while you get away. Sometimes, because of a |
| time, and we are careful about what we eat and | | | | lack of money or trust, this isn't an easy option; |
| when we eat it. Ironic don't you think? | | | | however, it is never impossible. Each and every one of |
| And then we thought: "Wouldn't it be perfect to hold | | | | us has something special to offer. Are you good at |
| that tiny baby in our arms and stroke his little hand as | | | | baking, sewing, or storytelling? Maybe you are a whiz |
| he sleeps?" We can't wait to dress up our toddler in a | | | | at math or you love to do hands-on science. Be |
| cute dress and show her off to the world. Ah, but | | | | creative and find a way to offer yourself as a tutor, |
| once again, when we actually get there, the whole | | | | caterer, or sewing teacher. This small investment of |
| story changes. Instead of cherishing the few precious | | | | your time will help you in many ways. It will help you |
| moments we have, we quickly become obsessed with | | | | meet more people who recognize your talent. In |
| the things we are missing out on. | | | | addition, helping others will lift your spirits. And, most |
| It's all about balance. To be excited about anything you | | | | importantly, it will put you in a position to exchange |
| do regularly, you need a break from it, that's why most | | | | services. Once you spend some time with other |
| jobs give you the weekend off. When you don't have | | | | parents (or responsible teens), you will find new |
| to deal with that set of responsibilities for a couple of | | | | opportunities to exchange your time with others for |
| days, you are better prepared to face new challenges. | | | | mutual benefit. |
| This concept rings true with parenthood as well, | | | | 3. Get involved in your local community. Keep |
| although most of us don't find a way to get the break | | | | up-to-date by reading your local newsletter or |
| we need to achieve this balance. | | | | newspaper. Along with helpful information for your zip |
| Let's consider what happens if we don't get that | | | | code, you will find opportunities to connect. It isn't only |
| break. Imagine it is a rainy day. You're going | | | | other mothers who can help you. It could be that your |
| somewhere and your tire goes flat. You waste an | | | | neighbor has a special talent that you or your children |
| hour or two taking care of that and then you suddenly | | | | can put to good use. It's all about networking. Once |
| realize you are were supposed to be at the doctor's | | | | people get to know you and your family, more and |
| office right now and you totally forgot. As you sigh, | | | | more opportunities to share each other's talents and |
| your 4-year-old is in the backseat taking his shoes off | | | | time will be revealed. |
| again and screaming about the toy he dropped. Now, | | | | 4. Family matters. In an ideal circumstance, we would |
| Johnny's situation isn't really that big of a deal, but | | | | like to count on family members for free childcare. But, |
| because it is on top of this pile of frustrations, it could | | | | the reality is that most people are being pulled in all |
| make life seem unbearable. What are you likely to do? | | | | different directions these days, and as a result, our |
| Will you speak to Johnny kindly in an effort to diffuse | | | | family members might not be as available as we |
| his frustration; or will you lose it and scream at him, | | | | would like. Here's a hint. Try to sweeten the deal by |
| releasing some of your own? When you don't have a | | | | figuring out a way that you can help this person with |
| way to get a break from your everyday challenges, | | | | her needs, something that she would not expect or |
| they can build up and turn any nurturing mother into a | | | | ask for. Especially concerning family relationships, |
| mommy monster. | | | | people tend to be shy to ask for help, or to make |
| So, what can you do today to make sure that you | | | | themselves available to help, for fear of long-term |
| stay out of monster territory? | | | | consequences. But, when the opportunity begins to |
| 1. Find other families like yours. When you engage in | | | | look mutually beneficial, the situation can change |
| play dates, whether they are highly organized clubs or | | | | dramatically. |
| a spontaneous stop at a nearby park, you invite | | | | Hopefully, these tips will help you avoid becoming a |
| balance into your life. While your child plays with others | | | | mommy monster. We all need balance in our lives. It's |
| (or even alone), you get a break from being her main | | | | not always easy, but with a little creativity, we can |
| source of entertainment. You can keep an eye on her | | | | develop opportunities to help each other with win-win |
| from a distance while you sit back and get a breath of | | | | situations. |
| fresh air. At the same time, you can meet other | | | | |