The Ten Signs of Mommy Fatigue

Mommy fatigue is an unofficial term to refer to a number of symptoms specific to the multiple demands of motherhood. Unlike baby fatigue in the early months, mommy fatigue occurs later, when a mother realizes that her one and only identity has become "mommy".

There are at least ten signs of mommy fatigue, and if you feel you are experiencing more than a few signs of mommy fatigue, it may be time for a spa day.

1. You Forget Your Real First Name

Mommy fatigue is unavoidably obvious when you cannot remember your own first name. You have been called mommy or mom so often, that your memory of life, and your name, before kids begins to become fuzzy.

2. Everybody Calls You Mom

When everyone refers to you as "mom," "the mother of Johnny," "the mother," and other references to your role in life, it can become confusing. All your titles include the word mom in some form.

3. You Begin to Hide from the Kids

If you find yourself taking two hour showers and hiding in unsuspecting places in the house, just to catch a few minutes of privacy, you may have a case of mommy fatigue. At some time during parenthood, most moms discover a few places to hide in the house.

4. You Start to Look Like a Busy Mom

If your co-workers comment on the diaper bag you brought to work instead of your purse, you may have mommy fatigue. Busy moms often forget the most simple things, and there may be obvious signs. Check for matching shoes before you leave the house.

5. Your Last Hairstyle was Popular a Decade Ago

Has it been a few years since you made a visit to the hairdressers? Mommy fatigue can result in outdated or permanent hairstyles. Sure, there may be little money to spend on mommy extras like highlights or expert cuts, but an updated haircut can help.

6. You Realize that there is No Nanny, Cook, or Maid

Mommy fatigue often settles in when you realize that there really is no relief on the way. The nanny, cook, or maid of your fantasies will never step foot in your house. You are the nanny, cook, and maid. You just go by the title, "mom."

7. You Begin to Forget Routine Things

Every so often, moms may have temporary mommy amnesia. You may forget to pick up a child from school, forget it is your day to send in cookies, or even forget to set the alarm. All of these slips may be part of the mysterious mommy fatigue you may be experiencing.

8. Time Outs Become More Frequent

Time outs often become more frequent for moms suffering from mommy fatigue. Time outs for mom, that is. When you find that you are giving yourself more time outs than the kids, it may be time to reassess whether you are using this discipline strategy as a reward rather than temporary time out.

9. Your House is Decorated with Toys

There may have been a time when you cared about the interior design of your house, but now the shelves are lined with Fisher-Price toys and Tonka trucks. You rarely invite old friends over, unless you have a play date.

10. You Start to Dress Like Your Mother

Mommy fatigue is glaringly obvious when you decide to throw out the sexy underwear and shop for somthing more comfortable. To top it off, you begin to look for coordinating outfits and comfortable stretchy clothes at the local Bon-Ton. Flowered shirts and matching capris replace jeans and a fashionable twin set sweater. You begin to dress like your mother.