Michelle Obama: Moms should make sure they're happy, too
I like this campaign from our First Lady: In an interview with Prevention magazine, Michelle Obama says being a good mother "isn't all about sacrificing" and that women should put themselves higher on the priority list.
It's a version of that old saying: "When Mama's happy, everybody's happy."
But that's easier said than done, isn't it?
For me, that's exhibited by what happens to my morning exercise hour. If I'm going to get that hour, I have to be up by 5:15 a.m. and ready to work out by 5:30.
But even if I accomplish that, sometimes the computer -- and work emails -- call to me. I remember that somebody needs clean socks taken out of the laundry for school. I find myself writing a note for the teacher or filling out a form, and if I'm not careful, the exercise time is gone before I've even started.
And if I don't do it then, forget it. The rest of the day is scheduled.
(AP Photo/Earl Gibson)
Comments
When my kids were at home (now grown and married)I always made them lay down when they were preschool so I could rest also. When they got older, I had a time when Mom was "closed" so I could rest and unwind a bit. They knew that when my bedroom door was closed they were to play quietly and they could have a couple of cookies. I only did this for maybe 15 minuntes a couple times a week, but it helped keep me balanced.
Posted by: GAIL HENRY | September 28, 2009 5:54 PM
when i first had my son, situations in my life caused me deep deep depression. at the same time i sacrificed all my needs and desires for my son. i rarely took care of myself, i grew really fat and never had enough energy to play with my son and i became even more depressed. then one day i had a mental breakdown and neededto take care of myself. i hired a babysitter for two days and relaxed and i came back from my little break a new person, with renewed vitality and zest for life. mms definately must take time for themselves or u will end up a wreck no good for your family
Posted by: joy ocean | September 29, 2009 12:10 AM
Kate, your kids are old enough to get their own socks out of the laundry. Let them do it.
Posted by: Eve | September 29, 2009 11:12 AM
I have a friend who had three children close together. There was a period in her life when she would hire a babysitter just so she could have some peace and quiet to do a little reading on her own.
Posted by: Dahlink | September 29, 2009 3:09 PM