by Ann Marie Kneeland

Created on: August 29, 2009

A mother work is never done and you may feel like there is no time for yourself anymore with the diaper changes, kissing boo boos, cooking, cleaning and endless laundry; not to mention being judge, jury and executioner when children as misbehaving as all children do. There's never enough time in the day to get everything done, and once the children are settled for the night you are ready to drop from exhaustion. There are a few simple things that you can do to have just a little "mommy-free" time to yourself. Every mom deserves some time to herself without feeling selfish.

While the children are napping don't worry about the mess in the living room or the dishes that need to be done, take fifteen minutes so sit down and relax, put your feet up, and just have some time to yourself. After you've rested you're weary body you will have the energy needed to wash the spaghetti-o's of the wall and scrub the little ones crayon art work off the fridge, as well as get the dishes washed up and the explosion from the toy box all over the living room picked up. It's a good thing to let your body rest so it can regenerate or you can run yourself into complete exhaustion.

Another good way to have some time to pamper yourself a little as a mom is to make time once the kids are in bed to take a nice bubble bath, maybe even light some candles and just relax from the long day of nose wiping, floor scrubbing, and answering more questions then you have answers for. Just relax, maybe even put on some of your favorite music, and just enjoy the feel of the water and the scent of the bubble bath.

If possible, maybe once a month find a trustworthy babysitter and schedule a few hours for yourself. If you can afford it get a manicure, or a massage and pamper yourself. If you don't have the money, then go window shopping, or go for a walk. Maybe you could even schedule some time with friends, have a girls day out and go out for lunch.

Also scheduling a play date with other moms may be a good thing. The children can play together while the moms take some time to chat, share anecdotes, or just unburden themselves of the daily stress of motherhood. Taking with other women who are going through it is a good way to give as well as get advice for the little snags in parenting techniques. It's good to take some time to unwind and have adult conversation every once in a while when one is a mother.

Joining an online moms group can help as well. You can blog and share the trials and accomplishments of being a parent with people who are going through the same things. It's a great way to make some new friends and just have some time to yourself.

These are just a few of the things that you can do to have some time for yourself when you are a mother. Personal time is rare when you are a mother because your children are dependent on you for so much. Every mom needs a small break, even if it's just for a few minutes. Just some time to clear their head and not feel guilty about taking some much needed time for yourself. Motherhood is a 24/7 job but everyone needs a break every now and then.

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