How to Beat Mommy Burn Out

We love our children and love taking care of them regardless of how tired we get. Mom's often ignore the signs of burn out which can lead to anger and frustration. Sometimes enough is enough! When you've had enough of the arguing, yelling, and diaper changes it is time you "get away" for a little while.

It is easy as a parent to work day in and day out making everyone else happy and ignoring your needs. More than likely you don't even notice that you are doing it. Daily you pamper your family, pets if you have them, basically everyone but yourself. Then one day you notice you are yelling more at the kids and have less patience than you had at one time. You just feel tired, don't feel like doing much, you basically feel yourself falling into a "slump". Gone are the enthusiastic days of doing crafts with this kids, playing outside with them, taking them to the park, or anything fun. It all begins to feel like a mundane task that reaps no pleasure. You will occasionally catch a laugh or two at the cute things they do through out the day but the bottom line is you are feeling way down. If that sounds like what you are feeling then chances are you are "burned out".

Mommy's can suffer "burnout" weather you are a stay at home, working mom, or single mom. If you don't take time out for yourself you will eventually hit the "burnout" stage. Some of us moms have a harder time getting a reprieve if our spouse travels, works long hours, or if we have guilt from being at work all day. The most important rule is not to feel guilty when you take time for yourself. You will be a better parent if you are rested and happy.

Here are some ideas to help you get some needed rest and relaxation.
1.Put the kids to bed earlier. You can read, watch a movie, take a hot bath, or whatever hobbies you enjoy.

2.Try at least once a month to get together with friends or family and have a girl's night out. Go to dinner, shopping or a movie.

3.Depending on the age of your kids have an hour during the day where they nap, play outside, or have time in their rooms where you can catch a breather. For example I get my daughter to sit at the dining room table and enjoy "craft" time while my son naps.

4.If you can't afford to pay a babysitter on a regular basis try to find a network of moms where you can take turns babysitting for each other. You can also offer things such as cooking a dinner, dessert, if you knit you can offer gifts, etc to in turn get some babysitting. Be Creative!

5.Enroll in an evening class that you can attend when your spouse gets home. It could be a knitting class, exercise class, or anything that sparks your interest.

6.Find a Moms morning out program that you can attend weekly.

7.Take a day off. Leave the kids with their dad, grandparents or trustworthy friend and head out for a day all about you!

8.Get up an hour earlier than the kids. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Read a book, newspaper or whatever you enjoy.

9.When dad gets home leave the kids with him and go for a walk. Exercise helps with relaxation and will give you some time to clear your head.

10.Try an online forum of moms where you can check in through the day or evening. You can connect, vent, and get support from others who are experiencing the same frustrations. You would be amazed at home much better you can feel just knowing someone else has been where you are.

Remember, just because you need a break doesn't mean you are a bad parent. You are not being selfish by getting some time to yourself. Guilt is a useless emotion that we "should not" waste time with. That is easier said than done though and we all know that the guilt comes along with the job description. No matter how much you tell yourself not to feel it.

Taking a much needed break will leave you feeling refreshed, happier, and you will have much more patience with your children. Your children and you spouse needs you to be happy as much as you need to be happy and rested. The old saying is "when mommy isn't happy, no one is happy" really has some truth to it.