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Baby #2 came fast on the heels of #1 and I did it all again, and the same (except for the holy grail VBAC) but with a two year old in tow. No biggie. But now there was more Trader Joes and more TV and more crying it out (really, just crying while waiting for her turn). It was a total “shit just got real” scene.
Baby #3 came a few years later. I’m doing it all again, and the same, and shit is even realer. More junk, more TV, more yelling, less patience, earth mother cred shriveling up and dying a slow death with every spoonful of frozen peas and Trader Joe’s fish nuggets I dish out.
But in between Baby #2 and Baby #3, I did a terrible thing. I left my children for a week. To go to Europe. With a friend. I’m pretty sure some people thought I should be fired! But I went with Henry’s encouragement and blessing. He’d gone to Italy by himself for a week earlier in the year. So, it was my turn. My week in Copenhagen was amazingly revitalizing. I did nothing healthy, mind you– I completely reverted to my singlehood days, chain-smoking and drinking my face off. But for one week, I wiped no tushes. I woke up when I wanted to wake up. I didn’t do laundry. I spent approximately ten minutes in the kitchen. I drank my coffee hot. I walked slow. I walked fast. I had uninterrupted conversations. I peed alone. Big things, big things.
After that trip, I grasped the importance of self-care. Self-care is not selfish. Self-care is vital to being the best mother I can be to my children. I don’t need to go to Europe every time I need a break. A hot shower will do. Or a quiet hour with a cup of coffee and a book in a coffeeshop. Sleeping in does the trick, too.
My point is this: in the beginning, I fell victim to The Good Mother Myth– mother as martyr, in particular. But I wised up and not a moment too soon because Baby #3 revealed itself two months after my trip. Back to life, back to reality.
Avital Norman Nathman came up with The Good Mother Myth after discovering that her reality of mothering didn’t match up with media’s portrayal of mothering. Her story, and 35 others are told by the powerful voices of mothers that have rejected the media myth of motherhood to embrace what is real, what is truth, and to let the rest of us know, “hey, it’s okay, you’re not the only one.”
I'm not allowed to enter because I have a copy and I photographed Avi for the book! Yay!!
Self-care. So important.
The best self care tip I've got is to drink a lot of water and get as much rest as you can. Protect your sleep. Go to bed with a dirty house. The dishes will still be there in the morning.
Spending time with friends is always so revitalizing for me.
I really enjoyed this entry, and I'm excited about the book! My best self-care tip is to take a steamy bath with candles burning, wine to drink, and a good book!
Oh, how I love this post! I fell victim to the 'good mother' myth with the birth of my first as well, and you are absolutely right about self-care. What I need in terms of self-care varies from day to day and I carve out my time accordingly, but I am also past those wonderful and trying baby/toddler years. I really want to read this book!
Can't wait to see your pics from the party! It was so good to see you, even if just briefly. Thanks for stopping by here!
I so agree with you!! It's amazing how restorative a glass of water and good sleep is.
Yes! It always feels good to be with your friends and having a good, kid-free time. 🙂
That sounds soooo relaxing. I could go for that now!
Being flexible is so important and I'm looking forward to thinking back on these years fondly, despite all the challenges.
My most important self care tip is setting boundaries. It is sometimes hard for me to remember to do simple things like shut and lock the door when I go to the bathroom, put on clothes that make me feel like I look good, and tell my kids to wait while I finish doing something for myself (eating, reading, anything really). When I treat myself like a human, I treat my kids better too! Add in some nice extras like a delicious omelette for breakfast and a hot bubble bath, and I will be really nice to everyone LOL!
Boundaries are so important, you're right! I remind myself frequently that I'm a person first and foremost, and that I'm not here just to serve others but myself as well.
Self care. It's so hard. And so necessary. YAYAYY you to going to EU with a friend!!! I had a hard time when my son turned about three and I realized I gave up a job that was even better than my husband's. I don't regret it to this day (although I do work part time). But still, learning what the self care was was HARD.
Self-care is definitely one of those things you learn about the hard way because no one really talks about it in the beginning! Thanks for stopping by!
I think that would be to set aside some time each day or each week for yourself. Get hubby to babysit or hire a babysitter.
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Alone time is so important! I used to have a sitter come watch the kids so I could go swimming. 🙂
Self-care = proper sleep. And everyone benefits.
Sleep is definitely a cure-all for so many things. I am better equipped to deal with three kids if I've gotten enough sleep!
My best self care tip is to tell everyone around you that you are planning [weekly yoga classes, daily 10 minute walks, monthly writing retreats, whatever it is you need] and then ask for support in actually doing it! They will help you be accountable to yourself, with love.
Hmm– that's me, Anita.
That is so true and I admit to keeping things to myself for precisely that reason– because I have a terrible habit of copping out and it's easier to do when I don't tell anyone! LOL