Mothers Need a Little Rest Too!

If it's true that a mother's work is never done, then I guess family members have to be intentional in giving them time to rest. As much as she loves her children, she needs to have some time by herself or with other mothers.

One way in which I try to help young mothers get a few hours reprieve from this most important role is by volunteering at a church daycare several times a month. While I, along with other adults look after their children, they are spending time fellowshipping with other mothers.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve these precious young children for the past several years. Their faces brighten when they see some of their friends and meet new ones too. I am not a crafty person but am blessed to work with a woman who is talented in this area. Typically I will be the storyteller. I love the response I see as I dramatize the story being told with voice inflections and movements.

I try to get them involved in the story by asking them questions. I have to say these 3-4 year old preschoolers are quite attentive. They never seem to shy away from telling you about something that is similar that they have experienced from the story being read to them.

It's interesting to see how some of the shy children come around and get involved with the others. You know you've won them over when they cling close to you or when they want to be seated right next to you.

They love when it's time for the snack of the day. Usually I will ask for several volunteers to say a prayer of thankfulness for the food they are about to eat. Just listening to them lets you know that many of them have been trained well at home.

The workers and I play games with them even if it means getting our weary bodies down on the floor with them. It's a good thing I exercise before I get there. I need all the energy I can get to keep up with them.

And then all too quickly the mothers are coming to pick up their children. The mothers seem to have been refreshed because of the few hours of reprieve. But I also notice that they are ready to get back into mother-mode with a little more pep in their step. They profusely thank the workers.

We send the children off as we look forward to seeing them that next week. It' an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. As an older adult I like to think this activity is keeping me a little bit younger-at least that's what I tell myself. But the greatest feeling is serving that mother who lovingly cares for her family.

SOURCE:

Personal experience