by Lillian Joyce

Created on: August 20, 2009   Last Updated: August 24, 2009

Most of us know that it is important to take time for ourselves as parents. I happy parent is better equipped to raise a happy child. However, today it's so hard to fit in that all too important me time. Between work, homework, house hold chores, dinners, shopping, pets, and activities, who has time to slow down and do something for yourself? There are days where some of us fall into bed exhausted, still unable to sleep because we forgot to do something that seems so important. In our overly hectic lives it may seem impossible to take some time out for yourself. But with just a little effort, we can do just that.

I take ten minutes a night to sit down and read a book. I love to read, but never seem to have time. So when my daughter goes for her shower at night, I sit upstairs and read until she washes and dresses. When she's all done she lets me know so I can read her a story before bed. Not only does it allow me to escape into far off adventures for a little while, but it allows her independence while learning personal hygiene. And she loves selecting which underwear and nightgown to wear all by her self!

Another great way to take time out for your self is to join a club or take up a hobby. I'm part of a pottery and since I have to pay membership fees I'm more liable to take the time out to go rather than waste the money. I get to take a few hours once or twice a month while my spouse takes the children on a date. They become closer to him, I get time to do something I enjoy, and I also get unique accents to my home that I made myself. I feel a sense of accomplishment that I get to see every day displayed in my home. During the holidays it's a great way to make personalized gifts for family and friends.

As a last resort, I will occasionally take a day off work or cut out early. Then I'll rush home and just sit around the house relaxing and doing things I enjoy. The atmosphere is comfortable and the quiet is so calming. I'll catch up on TV shows, put on my pajamas and just do nothing. I feel a little guilty, but then I tell myself that I need me time to be a better mother, better employee, and a better spouse.

These days we spend so much time trying to be super woman, that we forget to take time out for ourselves. It is so important to have me time to relieve stress and regenerate after running at a hundred and ten percent all the time. It is so important to schedule time out for our physical and mental well being. By taking care of ourselves and our needs, we can better help those that depend on us.

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