| Let's see. You did the laundry, dropped the boys off | | | | up the kids. |
| at Karate and the girls at dance class, stopped at the | | | | 4. Find another mom who has children that get along |
| grocery store for a few last minute dinner | | | | well with your kids. Alternate babysitting services |
| items...What's missing? As you were taking care of | | | | with her, so that you each have a few hours of free |
| everyone else all day long, did you remember to take | | | | time every week to go to the gym or get your hair |
| care of yourself? I know it can be hard to carve out | | | | done. Don't be tempted to do chores instead. You |
| space for you, since being a mom is a full time job, | | | | need this time for you and you won't feel very |
| but taking care of yourself helps you have the | | | | rested and refreshed if you pick up the dry cleaning, |
| strength and energy to keep taking care of | | | | do the grocery shopping, and run the car through the |
| everyone else, from your children to the snake your | | | | car wash instead of relaxing. |
| son left in the pocket of his dirty jeans. | | | | 5. Delegate evening chores like setting the table, |
| If trying to squeeze out a few more hours a day | | | | washing the dishes, and packing the next day's lunch. |
| just for you seems impossible, why not try one of | | | | If everyone does ten or fifteen minutes of work, |
| these ideas: | | | | you will have enough free time to soak in the tub or |
| 1. Don't be afraid to start small. It's better for you to | | | | read a chapter of the newest best seller. |
| take five minutes to read the funny pages or your | | | | 6. If you cook all of your family's evening meals and |
| favorite inspirational poem than it is to not take any | | | | always pack lunch for your children, don't be afraid to |
| time at all for you. | | | | give yourself a break once a week. Pizza every night |
| 2. Get up twenty or thirty minutes earlier than usual | | | | may be unhealthy, but an occasional slice isn't too |
| and spend some time doing something you enjoy, | | | | unhealthy for the kids. Eating the occasional school |
| such as reading the paper while you sip your coffee | | | | lunch can actually be a fun treat for children, even if |
| or meditating. By the time the children wake up, you | | | | it doesn't taste that great. |
| will be ready to start your busy day. | | | | Finally, make sure your family realizes the importance |
| 3. Talk to the other moms at your children's classes | | | | of letting you find some time for yourself. Speak |
| and find out if any of them live nearby. See if several | | | | with your children about respecting your quiet time, |
| of them are interested in forming a carpool, so you | | | | whenever and however you manage to fit it into |
| don't have to make every trip to drop off and pick | | | | your day. |