Saturday, April 28, 2012

Mothers Need Me-Time Pampering Too


Mother's Day Pampering Ideas

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.



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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19 comments:

  1. Thank you for this! It was much needed for me today!! ;-). I took a great nap!!

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  2. Ah, such a lovely post!! and so TRUE
    Sharing it right away,
    Thanks for linking up to amde with love,
    Angelique

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    1. Yes, I'll put that link on bottom of post. Thanks for reminding me.

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  3. The mantra made me cry.

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I'm glad you liked the post. Have a wonderful day.

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  4. What a lovely post. I look forward to seeing you at My Dream Canvas!

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    1. I visited your blog - gorgeous photos. So glad you stopped by.

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  5. i need me time everyday or i will go insane,...thankfully when my son goes school,,and hubby in office i get some four hours for myself,..when i do things i like,,reading books,bloghopping,painting and so many other things,,which make me feel good

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    1. I forgot about blogging - one of my favorite things to do. Hop, that is. Your blog is very interesting.

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  6. I make sure I take time everyday for a little bit of me or I will go insane. Even if it means parking my butt on the coach to watch an hour a a Top Chef rerun...I love Bravo so sue me...lol. I try and work out every single day or take a walk with the dogs. It helps a llot. Thank you for stopping by my blog returning the favor...Have a good hump day

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    1. Thanks - so glad you take some time for yourself.

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  7. I am getting REALLY bad at this lately, thanks for the reminder!

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  8. Love all these great reminders Susan! I pamper myself by taking a break during naptime to do something for me every day (no chores... though sometimes I regret it later). I include some chocolate into the pamper time too

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    1. Yes, chocolate is a necessity around here. Love it. A nap sure sounds good too. Have a great one.

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  9. Oh i truly need these mom pampering tips.. How lovely.. Im one of those.. that never seem to find me time.. between.. work, home, kids.. and everything else..

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    1. I know it's hard but maybe you can focus on everyone else - getting them involved in something else - then squeeze in some "quiet time" for yourself. Sometimes, I just practically run out the door telling hubby that I'll be back soon - and just feed the birds or pull a few weeds. Yipee! I have a chair behind the guinea house that no one seems to know or care about. Nice place to look at the chickens - they don't talk - so its peaceful.

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  10. it is easier to get me time now that my kids are older (13 and 11)...while they are in school i work out or meet friends for lunch...try to do a girls night out at least once a month....i also like to convince my husband to take the kids somewhere for the day so I can have the house to myself....

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  11. NPR Mommy - great ideas! Love meeting friends for lunch. I usually clean when everyone is out of house - then sneak in some Kindle reading.

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