Mothers Need Me-Time Pampering Too

Did you know it is all right to sometimes take the biggest piece of chicken so that you have energy for another day of heroic tasks? You've been busy all day being your child's teacher, mother, role model, referee, guide, cook, and housekeeper while you've changed diapers that smell and look suspiciously like someone ate something they shouldn't have put in their mouth. You are supposed to be a walking encyclopedia full of answers to so many mind-boggling questions - from simple to so complex you wonder if anyone really knows the answers. Maybe you even went to work all day. Do you feel like you are holding on by your fingernails while no one is paying attention to you? Now self-pampering is required to prepare you for the next day of monumental and seemingly unappreciated tasks.



MOM PAMPERING TIPS:

• The best skin softener and moisturizer I've found is honey. Sure it is sticky but pamper your skin by rubbing warm honey on your face. Or sit in the sun as it warms and nourishes your skin. Honey also works miracles on dry cracked feet. You deserve to put those tired feet up for awhile.
• Then take a shower or bubble bath - all by yourself
• Take a nap while your child is napping
• Read a book - one that you choose
• Cook something you enjoy eating
• Take time to be with your friends
• Exercise, dance, do yoga, stretch, take deep breaths and focus inward
• Say mantras: "I am enough. I am a wonderful mother. I love my precious children and they love me." 
• Take time for a date with your hubby. Swap babysitting or go out late after the kids are asleep. It may be easier to talk, or beg, someone into babysitting if the kids are already in bed.
• Have hubby spend time with the kids while you get a massage, manicure, facial, or just go to the library or mall.
• Give your child 15 minutes of uninterrupted one-on-one time, a hug, tell them you love them, then guide them to an independent play activity (see below).

After some much deserved self-pampering, maybe you'll have the energy to hear your child's wish when she blows the seeds on a dandelion. And you will see the beautiful butterfly she has found on a weed. Or you can laugh as your toddler pokes a flower up his nose, in his ear, or into his mouth. You can smile and cherish the wildflower bouquet your child has picked especially for you - the most important person in their world.

from …and Spiritually Speaking

Do not trade your birthright as a mother for some bauble of passing value... 

The baby you hold in your arms will grow quickly as the sunrise and 

the sunset of the rushing days." ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

Would you like ideas for independent play time? Let me save your sanity. The Happy Mommy Handbook is filled with ideas for creative playful learning and the child development theories behind them as told from a mom and teacher's perspective. Or glimpse into kindergarten with my book: Kindergarten: Tattle-Tales, Tools, Tactics, Triumphs and Tasty Treats for Teachers and Parents. Both are bestsellers and the ebooks are only $3.99. Also available on Barnes & Noble and Kobo.

How do you pamper yourself? I'd love to know. 

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