We Need Me Time!

on April 4, 2009 at 11:00 AM

I babysit for a dear friend of mine, Susan, who has two daughters: Amelia, seven, and Simone, two. I love these girls, but they can run me so ragged that four hours sometimes feels like eight and I want me-time again. I ask Susan all the time: How do you manage?

Susan is a working mother who has a husband, a nanny, and a babysitter for support. But this doesn't mean she gets any alone time. When she's not working, she's taking care of her family. And though she and her husband occasionally get a date-night together (enter me, the babysitter) she rarely gets time just to breathe and think, aka relax. According to a poll conducted by the American Pyschological Association last year, women are more stressed than men about their family's needs.

What are your tips for squeezing in me-time? How do you spend your alone time?

Filed Under: emotional health, mental health, stress

Comments (9)

LuminousMom

on Apr 4, 2009 at 12:37 PM

I dont have any tips for it.. because I dont get any, myself!! Its a hard situation.. but I guess what I look forward to is that kids are only young once and so someday I will get that time.

I work at home, at night while my kids are asleep so... I don't even sleep. lol. I guess that working could be considered my "me time"

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TuMaiidiiTa.

on Apr 4, 2009 at 1:27 PM

Me time? LOL! What is that?!?!

Becki.Nagy

on Apr 4, 2009 at 1:49 PM

For a while I would escape to a relaxing, well-deserved bubble bath, but now my 2 have even ruined that, they use a coin to pick the bathroom door and still anoy me!!

kristie190

on Apr 4, 2009 at 3:37 PM

I just tell so that I need time and I will be back in a few he is sweet like that!! I am lucky>

onefizzysoda

on Apr 4, 2009 at 3:39 PM

Well I used to think that nap time for my children was when I got my "me time" that was until they don't want to take their naps anymore. I think it sometimes stresses me out more to have to keep telling them to get back in bed and take their naps. I cant even remember the last time Danny and I was able to go out. We cant afford a babysitter to pay for 3 kids while we go and spend more money on doing something. But I do like the advice to remember that their only young once.

frustrated

torimommy21

on Apr 4, 2009 at 3:52 PM

I feel the same... even tho my DD takes naps its still like running and checking on her every two min doesnt really make it me time... I used to think I would be able to take a shower and breathe out the day and just be alone for a minute, but every time I try my SO bring my DD in and they decide they want to "talk" to me- shes only 5 mo. lil hard to talk when you cant! It would be nice if there were a way just to have an hour or two to just sit and relax ALONE! - im in the same sit. as above it costs far too much money to hire a babysitter and go out and spend money!!

treebug

on Apr 4, 2009 at 8:41 PM

When my SO knows i need some me time is when i am so stressed i go on a rampage....so he just tells me to go if i have errands to run he just tells me to go....he stays with the kids....sometimes i will get to take a bath all by myself....usually when they are asleep....sometime we get to go out by ourselfs that hasn't been like that in along time.... jigsaw ribbon pink ribbon

4thecross

on Apr 5, 2009 at 12:11 AM

The tv helps put on something fun the kids will like cartoons or pbs kids Then give them a snack. You will then be able to get some time to take a bath or relax